UN calls on all sides in Libya to lay down arms

Ban Ki-moon
The United Nations Secretary General

UN calls on all sides in Libya to lay down arms

The United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon has called on all sides in Libya to lay down their arms and work together peacefully to rebuild the North African.

Mr Ban said this at the UN Headquarters in New York, while reacting to the reports of the death of the Libyan leader and the end of fighting in Sirte and other cities.

The UN chief said: “Clearly, this day marks an historic transition for Libya.

The road ahead

“In the coming days, we will witness scenes of celebration, as well as grief for those who lost so much,” he stated. “Yet let us recognize, immediately, that this is only the end of the beginning. The road ahead for Libya and its people will be difficult and full of challenges,”the Secretary-Genenral said.

He stressed that it was time for all Libyans to come together, and pointed out that they could only realize the promise of the future through national unity and reconciliation.

“Combatants on all sides must lay down their arms in peace. “This is the time for healing and rebuilding, for generosity of spirit – not for revenge,” he said.

He opined that; “as Libya’s transitional authorities prepare the way for elections and take the many other steps toward building their new nation, “inclusion and pluralism must be the watchwords.

“The high hopes sustained through the long days of revolution and conflict must translate into opportunities and justice for all.”
Restoring public security

The UN began deploying staff last month to its newly established UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), headed by the Secretary-General’s Special Representative, Ian Martin.

The mission, based in the capital, Tripoli, will assist the authorities in restoring public security, plan for elections and ensure transitional justice.

Speaking with Mr Martin, who is in Tripoli on Thursday, Mr Ban said that the new United Nations Mission to Libya was on the ground and ready to assist Libya and its people along the path ahead.

PR/Williams