5 Jul 2012

SG / MESSAGE TO LIBYA

Ahead of Libya’s first free elections in decades this weekend, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today reaffirmed the support of the United Nations for the North African country’s, “milestone in Libya’s long march towards democracy.”UNTV

Posted at: July 5, 2012 5:31 pm

Duration: 01:34

Available in: SD

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Full script

STORY: SG / MESSAGE TO LIBYA
TRT: 1.34
SOURCE: UNTV 
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH/ NATS

DATELINE: RECENT, NEW YORK CITY

SHOTLIST:

1.	Wide shot, exterior United Nations headquarters
2.	SOUNDBITE (English) Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General:
"On Saturday you will exercise a right that you have been denied for more than four decades; the right to vote, the right to elect a new national congress. This is a milestone in Libya's long march towards democracy. The United Nations is proud to have assisted in the birth of an independent Libya. We will stand by you as you build a fully free and democratic State. Today I join the world in saluting you and all that you have achieved in so short a time. Nearly 3 million of you have registered to vote. More than 3,000 candidates are competing for office; that includes more than 600 women. This is truly a moment for national celebration. We all know the road to democracy is long and hard. We share your aspiration for a peaceful and prosperous Libya, founded on the principles of justice, human rights, inclusiveness and accountability. This Saturday, make your voice heard. Let every Libyan join in building the new Libya building the new Libya. Thank you."

STORYLINE:

Ahead of Libya's first free elections in decades this weekend, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today reaffirmed the support of the United Nations for the North African country's, "milestone in Libya's long march towards democracy."
 
"On Saturday, you will exercise a right that you have been denied for more than four decades, the right to vote, the right to elect a new National Congress – this is a milestone in Libya's long march toward democracy," Ban said in a video.
 
"The United Nations is proud to have assisted in the birth of an independent Libya. We will stand by you as you build a fully free and democratic state," he added.

Some 2.7 million people in the North African nation have registered to vote for members of the new National Congress, which will be tasked with drafting a new constitution for Libya. More than 3,000 candidates are competing for office, including more than 600 women.

The polls, which were originally slated to be held in late June, will be the first free elections in decades in Libya, where Muammar al-Qadhafi ruled for more than 40 years until a pro-democracy uprising last year led to the deposing of his regime.

"This is, truly, a moment for national celebration. We all know the road to democracy is long and hard. We share your aspiration for a peaceful and prosperous Libya founded on the principles of justice, human rights, inclusiveness and accountability," Ban said.

Filed under LIBYAN ARAB JAMAHIRIYA .