UN: Elections and security a top priority after Libya's liberation

[News_Editor]

UN: Elections and security a top priority after Libya's liberation

2011-10-28 03:36:27 GMT+7 (ICT)

NEW YORK (BNO NEWS) -- The United Nations (UN) has stressed that organizing an electoral process and establishing public security in war-torn Libya are the country's top priorities

UN Special Representative for Libya, Ian Martin, told the UN Security Council during a briefing on Wednesday that Libya's transitional authorities should act swiftly to respond to the North African nation's most pressing needs following Sunday's declaration of liberation.

With the commitments made by the National Transitional Council (NTC) in its constitutional declaration, Martin highlighted several aspects which require immediate attention, including preparations for elections, establishing public security and controlling the flow of weapons in the country.

The NTC has 30 days to establish an interim government, 90 days to adopt electoral legislation and set up an electoral body, and 240 days to hold elections for national congress. Martin underlined the importance to build a modern nation-state based on the principles of democracy, human rights, the rule of law and respect for minority rights.

In particular, Martin said the NTC must establish guidelines on the handling of its detainees following alleged violations of their rights, including the alleged mistreatment of former leader Muammar Gaddafi, which Martin said is within the scope of the International Commission of Inquiry in Libya mandated by the UN Human Rights Council.

Martin said the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has already been working closely with members of the NTC, discussing proposed electoral laws, the future electoral management body and efforts to promote civic education.

Martin also pointed to the hand-over and control of the flow of weapons as a priority in the NTC's agenda, noting that the NTC has already committed to remove heavy weaponry from city centers and collecting light arms. He also emphasized it must be done in conjunction with the establishment of public security to offer former combatants new opportunities.

Furthermore, Martin voiced his concern for the large amounts of weaponry left by the ousted Gaddafi regime, which include chemical weapons and Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS).

"The challenge will be to develop rapidly opportunities for the future of combatants, making available to them support in returning to normal civilian life, or integrating them into a professional police force and national army," Martin said.

The Special Representative also reiterated the UN's support to deliver aid to citizens affected by the recent conflict and said missions to Sirte and Bani Walid were already providing food, drinking water and other non-food items to the local population in those cities.

As well as security and elections, Martin said authorities are concerned with strengthening public financial management, establishing rules to ensure fiscal transparency, and starting a reconciliation process.

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