The Special Representative of the Secretary General for Libya Visited Sirte, 08 February 2012

9 Feb 2012

The Special Representative of the Secretary General for Libya Visited Sirte, 08 February 2012

The Special Representative of the Secretary General for Libya (SRSG) Mr. Ian Martin visited Sirte on 8 February 2012, where he met with the local council, the military council, and members of civil society, among others.

"I wanted to see for myself the extent of destruction this city suffered as a result of the war. Amid this destruction, I was deeply impressed by the efforts of the people who have already done much to bring life back to the city, with as yet little support", the SRSG said.

Local council members listed their concerns and needs, in particular in the areas of education, health, reconstruction, mine action, IDPs, post-conflict trauma and clarification of the fate of those missing. The SRSG recalled the work of UN humanitarian agencies and pledged the UN's continuing support to Sirte's recovery, as well as assuring them that he would reflect their needs in his discussions with the Interim Government.

The SRSG went on to say that "In the coming days, my colleagues will return to discuss further the role that the UN could play in supporting the city's needs".