Obama urges 'reconciliation' in Libya

President Barack Obama hailed the liberation of
Libya on Sunday as a “new era of promise”
© AFP/File Jim Watson

WASHINGTON (AFP) – US President Barack Obama hailed the liberation of Libya on Sunday as a “new era of promise” and urged a “national reconciliation process” as it develops into a secure, democratic country.

Obama said he looked forward to working with the Transitional National (TNC) Council as it develops into an interim government and builds towards Libya’s first free and fair elections, which are expected within eight months.

“On behalf of the American people, I congratulate the people of Libya on today’s historic declaration of liberation,” the US president said.

“After four decades of brutal dictatorship and eight months of deadly conflict, the Libyan people can now celebrate their freedom and the beginning of a new era of promise.”

Libya’s new leaders earlier Sunday declared the country “liberated”, three days after ousted despot Moamer Kadhafi was captured and killed, paving the way for the formation of an interim government.

“Now that the fighting in Libya has reached an end, the Transitional National Council must turn its attention to the political transition ahead,” Obama said in a written statement.

“The Libyan authorities should also continue living up to their commitments to respect human rights, begin a national reconciliation process, secure weapons and dangerous materials, and bring together armed groups under a unified civilian leadership,” he said.

“As they take these steps, the United States will continue our close cooperation with our international partners and the UN support mission in Libya to help advance a stable, democratic transition.”

After ordering an initial assault in March that took out Libya’s air defenses, Obama ceded the primary role in the Libya operation to NATO allies Britain and France, though US forces maintained crucial logistical support.