Libya’s new prime minister Ali Zeidan presented a new coalition cabinet to form his transitional government to the national congress.
Reports say new PM Ali Zeidan’s transitional government aspires to restore security and stability in North African country.
PM Zeidan’s transitional government is reportedly to replace an interim administration appointed in November 2011 after Gaddafi’s demise.
Today at Washington DC, Department Spokesperson Victoria Nuland says the United States congratulates the Libyan people on the formation of a government.
“This is a critical milestone in their democratic transition. We encourage the country’s leaders to build democratic and security institutions and to promote economic development and the rule of law.” -Ms. Nuland
She says the Libyan people fought a difficult revolution in order to enjoy a democratic future with peace, security and prosperity.
Ms. Nuland says the United States looks forward to working closely with the new government and is committed to supporting the Libyan people during this historic transition.
Ali Zeidan was appointed by the General National Congress and took office on 31st October when Congress approved his cabinet proposal.
Zeidan was formerly a Geneva-based human rights lawyer.
In February this year, the citizens of Libya marked its first anniversary of the country’s uprising against Muammar Gaddafi with spontaneous celebrations nationwide.
Citizens in all ages went out on the streets of Tripoli, Benghazi, Misrata and other towns to begin the celebrations by setting off firecrackers and chanting slogans.
The celebrations were led by residents of Benghazi, the city which first rose against Gaddafi and his 42-year-old regime.
The United States of America today also joined with Libyans around the world in marking the one-year anniversary of their historic revolution.
The United States has pledged support as Libya tackles these challenges together with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, and other international partners who stand ready to help.
Libya has been engulfed by fighting since a pro-democracy movement opposed to the regime of Muammar al-Qadhafi emerged in February 2011 following similar protests in Tunisia, Egypt and other countries across North Africa and the Middle East.
Hundreds of people have been killed in the fighting and hundreds of thousands of others have been internally displaced or forced to flee to neighbouring countries.
The United States has played a central role in marshalling the international response to the crisis in Libya. 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.
Muammar Gaddafi was killed at his home town of Sirte on October 2011 when he was overrun by fighters seeking to complete the eight-month uprising.
Gaddafi’s demise marked the end of a 42 year rule of a dysfunctional brutal regime that was ruled by fear, torture and executions. Its mismanagement of the economy brought ruin to Libya and impoverished the Libyan people despite the huge oil and gas wealth.
Unfortunately, Libya is a long way from being considered stable. Just last month, on the anniversary of 9/11, Christopher Stevens, The U.S. Ambassador and three other Americans were killed in Benghazi, in an organized attack on a poorly protected safe house acting as a consulate. Many questions remain, including why the consulate was so poorly protected, why the security contingent had recently been withdrawn by the Administration, and why, when the Administration saw the attack, and the Ambassador was still alive, assistance was withheld.
