Reply #55: Building a democratic nation will be hard work [View All]

[joshcryer]

http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=114845">Building a democratic nation will be hard work
FOR decades, the possibility of a Libya without Muammar Gadhafi seemed just a dream. But today, Tripoli’s central square is adorned with the three colours of the pro-democracy forces’ flag. The once-omnipresent pictures of Gadhafi are gone. As that regime gasps its last breath, the Libyan people and the National Transitional Council (NTC) are writing the first chapter of a free Libya.

The NTC has been planning this transition for more than six months. Our accomplishments in the midst of the turbulence of war foreshadow what a free Libya can accomplish in the years to come. Some in the international community question the NTC and what it stands for. The answer lies in our name. We are a ‘transitional’ government responsible for steering the nation from an intense conflict with Gadhafi regime forces, now approaching its end, to the establishment of a democratic government.

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The NTC has made clear that it condemns any form of reprisal attacks; in the new Libya, the human rights of all citizens must be respected. We recognise the importance of making sure every Libyan has a stake in the creation of a democratic nation. The NTC could not have achieved its military successes without the help of Nato and the countries that rushed to its aid.

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The NTC also calls on the international community to help it track down funds still hidden by Gadhafi. In February, the youth of Libya rose up. They were the driving force in making this beginning possible, and Libyans everywhere are thankful for their incredible bravery and sacrifice. We are rebuilding Libya for them and for many future generations. We are asking them to participate in all aspects of civic affairs and government. Building a free and democratic Libya will be hard work. But if we move forward with the same courage and selflessness of the people who took to the streets on February 17, I am confident we will prevail.