Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton today said the Qadhafi era is coming to an end, opening the way for a new era in Libya-one of liberty, justice, and peace.
“The events in Libya this week have heartened the world. The situation remains fluid. We join the Libyan people in celebrating the courageous individuals who have stood up to a tyrant and defended their homes and communities against Qadhafi’s violence.” -Ms. Clinton
Ms. Clinton highlighted that the United States and the international community have stood by the Libyan people during many difficult days in the last six months. She added that ogether, they prevented a massacre, and they supported the people’s efforts to gain their freedom.
She stressed that the U.S. government will continue to support the Libyan people as they take on the regime elements that still pose a threat to Libya’s future.
“The Libyan people made this revolution and they will lead the way forward, but they deserve our help. Libya’s future is not guaranteed. Considerable work lies ahead.” -Ms. Clinton
She stated that the coming days and weeks will be critical. The United States and its partners are moving quickly and decisively on several fronts.
“Today, we have secured the release of $1.5 billion in Libyan assets that had been frozen in the United States. This money will go toward meeting the needs of the people of Libya. We urge other nations to take similar measures. Many are already doing so.” -Ms. Clinton
She underscored that as funds are released, the United States looks to the Transitional National Council to fulfill its international responsibilities and the commitments it has made to build a tolerant, unified democratic state-one that protects the universal human rights of all its citizens. She pointed out that it is critical that the TNC engage swiftly with communities and leaders across Libya to ensure order, provide critical basic services to the people, and pave the way for a full democratic transition.
“Libya’s future will be peaceful only if the leaders and people of Libya reach out to each other in a spirit of peace. There can be no place in the new Libya for revenge attacks and reprisals. “ -Ms. Clinton
Ms. Clinton reiterated that from the beginning, the United States has played a central role in marshalling the international response to the crisis in Libya. She stated that together with its partners, they have saved thousands of lives and helped confront a ruthless, erratic dictator who was poised to slaughter his own people in order to hold on to power.
“The United States will stand with the Libyan people and our international partners in the weeks and months ahead, to help as Libyans write the next chapter of their history.” -Ms. Clinton
