United Nations Calls on Libyans to Support the Democratic Transition

6 Mar 2013

United Nations Calls on Libyans to Support the Democratic Transition

Tripoli, 6 March 2013 - The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) expresses concern about the escalation of protesters' demands to attempts to coerce the General National Congress to act on matters on its agenda.

The United Nations Mission emphasizes in this regard that while peaceful protest is a fundamental right, it is of utmost importance at this critical juncture of Libya's democratic transition to ensure that the democratically elected bodies and legitimate institutions of the State are enabled to carry out their duties in the service of the people in a conducive environment and that the integrity of their decisions is preserved.

"The Libyan people have committed to democracy as an irreversible choice and all Libyans owe it to their country and their revolution to come together and ensure that the political process is not derailed", Special Representative of the Secretary-General Tarek Mitri said.

UNSMIL strongly encourages Libya's political and community leaders as well as civil society activists and all Libyans to ensure that the ongoing transition be based on the respect for the law, the democratic principles and peaceful political dialogue.