8 Nov 2012

UN / LIBYA

The top United Nations official in Libya said today that one year after the demise of the Muammar al-Qadhafi regime, "the country has moved forward in its political transformation" although "many challenges remain" in the political, security, and rule of law areas. UNTV

Posted at: November 8, 2012 4:53 pm

Duration: 01:59

Available in: SD

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STORY: UN / LIBYA
TRT: 1.59
SOURCE: UNTV
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH / NATS

DATELINE: 8 NOVEMBER 2012, NEW YORK CITY / FILE

SHOTLIST:

FILE – RECENT, NEW YORK CITY

1. Wide shot, exterior United Nations headquarters

8 NOVEMBER 2012, NEW YORK CITY

2. Wide shot, Security Council
3. Med shot, delegates
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Tarek Mitri, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya:
"On October 23rd Libyans celebrated the one year anniversary of the liberation of their country. As we have highlighted in briefings to this Council over the last year, the country has moved forward in its political transformation. The July elections are a significant case in point, as is the formation of the new government last week. But you all are aware; many challenges remain, particularly in the area of security."
5. Med shot, delegates
6. SOUNDBITE (English) Tarek Mitri, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya:
"Along with security sector reform, it remains just as urgent for the Libyan authorities to fully activate the judiciary so that perpetrators are held to account and rule of law upheld. UNSMIL continues to work on the issue of conflict-related detentions including urging the Ministries of Justice, Defence and Interior to accelerate the screening of detainees and to investigate cases of mistreatment and torture."
7. Med shot, delegates
8. SOUNDBITE (English) Tarek Mitri, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya:
"The problems faced should not be underestimated but are not insurmountable. Building a democratic state is a cumulative process that needs time and patience but it necessitates, first and foremost, a sustained, coherent and determined effort by the government. One year since the liberation, the people of Libya are demanding more of their elected authorities. This is a sign of a vibrant democratic life."
9. Med shot, delegates
10. Zoom out, Security Council

STORYLINE:

The top United Nations official in Libya said today (8 November) that one year after the demise of the Muammar al-Qadhafi regime, "the country has moved forward in its political transformation" although "many challenges remain" in the political, security, and rule of law areas.

The Secretary-General's Special Representative Tarek Mitri, briefing the Security Council from Tripoli via video conference, welcomed the formation of the country's new Government and congratulated Libya's General National Congress, which approved the new Government.

Mitri said "along with security sector reform, it remains just as urgent for the Libyan authorities to fully activate the judiciary so that perpetrators are held to account and rule of law upheld."

He added that the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), which Mitri heads, "continues to work on the issue of conflict-related detentions including urging the Ministries of Justice, Defence and Interior to accelerate the screening of detainees and to investigate cases of mistreatment and torture."

The Special Representative said "the problems faced should not be underestimated but are not insurmountable" and stressed that "building a democratic state is a cumulative process that needs time and patience but it necessitates, first and foremost, a sustained, coherent and determined effort by the government."

He said "one year since the liberation, the people of Libya are demanding more of their elected authorities" and this was "a sign of a vibrant democratic life."

Libya has been undergoing a transition toward a modern democratic State after decades of autocratic rule and toppling of the regime of Muammar al-Qadhafi. Colonel Qadhafi ruled the North African country for more than 40 years until a pro-democracy uprising last year – similar to the protests in other countries in the Middle East and North Africa – led to civil war and the end of his regime.