UK Foreign Secretary Hague welcomes appointment of Libyan PM

[News_Editor]

UK Foreign Secretary Hague welcomes appointment of Libyan PM

2011-11-02 02:20:26 GMT+7 (ICT)

LONDON (BNO NEWS) -- British Foreign Secretary William Hague on Tuesday welcomed the appointment of Abdurrahim El-Keib as Libya's interim prime minister, calling it an 'important step forward' after the eight-month-long civil war.

Libya's National Transitional Council (NTC) announced on Monday that El-Keib had won an election by earning 26 of the 51 votes assigned to each of the NTC members. The election was made from ten initial candidates.

"I welcome the appointment of Abdurrahim El-Keib as Prime Minister of Libya's Transitional Government," Hague said. "This represents another important step forward for Libya as the country looks to build a new society after years of tyrannical misrule under Gaddafi."

El-Keib is an electrical engineer who carried out his master's and doctorate studies in the United States at the University of Southern California and at North Carolina State University. A new cabinet is expected to be appointed soon which will run Libya until nationwide elections have taken place.

"A future transitional government, headed by a credible Prime Minister, has a key role to play in creating a better Libya," Hague said. "I look forward to working with Prime Minister El-Keib as the Transitional Government develops its plans for elections and a new constitution, rebuilds the country and works to create a future that meets the legitimate needs and aspirations of all Libyans."

The NTC declared the full liberation of the country last month, just days after the death of ousted Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. The announcement brought an eight-month-long conflict to an end which began when rebels rose up against Gaddafi's regime.

With the NTC now in full control of Libya, the North African nation is facing a host of challenges, including organizing an electoral process, establishing public security and starting a reconciliation process.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-11-02