'Work of ordinary Libyans' led to Kadhafi ouster: Clinton

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton praised the
liberation of Libya on Sunday as the “work
of ordinary, brave Libyans”
© AFP/File Aamir Qureshi

AFP

WASHINGTON (AFP) – US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Sunday praised the liberation of Libya as the “work of ordinary, brave Libyans” shaking off the yoke of more than 40 years of oppression.

“The United States joins the Libyan people as they celebrate liberation from more than four decades of Kadhafi’s brutal dictatorship. The Libyan revolution was the work of ordinary, brave Libyans who demanded their freedoms and dignity,” Clinton said in a statement.

“This is a historic moment, but much work remains to be done. The process of forming a new representative government that is accountable to its people must reflect the same spirit of the revolution and the Transitional National Council should work to announce this government as soon as possible,” the US foreign policy chief said.

“The transitional authorities can build on this movement by promoting reconciliation and respect for human rights across Libyan society, while helping to prevent reprisals and ensuring the justice and due process that the Libyan people expect and deserve,” Clinton said.

“The path to democracy is a long-term process that requires the participation of all Libyans,” said Clinton, while scenes of jubilation played out on the streets of Tripoli, after Libya’s new leaders 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.

The long-awaited declaration came amid raging controversy over the circumstances of Kadhafi’s death after he was taken alive during the fall of his hometown Sirte.

“Just as the Libyan people led the revolution, they will also lead the process of transition and government formation. The United States remains deeply committed to the Libyan people who can now look forward to a new era of freedom, dignity, and security,” she said.