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Tuesday, 23 August, 2011, 4:51 ( 2:51 GMT )
Editorial/OP-ED




'Real Moment of Victory for Libyans When Al Qathafi is Captured'
22/08/2011 16:10:00
NTC chief Mustafa Abdel Jalil told a news conference he wants Al Qathafi to be captured alive to be put on trial

Libyan rebels chief and head of the National Transitional Council, Mustafa Abdul Jalil said that the moment of victory in Libya would be, when Libyan leader Muammar Al Qathafi is captured, alive, in order for him to be put on trial.

Answering journalists' questions after addressing a news conference in the rebels' base in Banghazi, Abdul Jalil promised to to provide Al Qathafi with a fair trial. “But I have no idea how he will defend himself against these crimes that he committed against the Libyan people and the world," he added.

Jalil said: "We are on the threshold of a new era ... of a new stage on which we will work to establish the principles that this revolution was based on. Which are: freedom, democracy, justice, equality and transparency. Within a moderate Islamic framework.”

He assured the conference that Libya after Al Qathafi would be, "A nation in which all citizens are equal ... and which can include all factors and factions of society. From the east of Libya to the west. From the North to the south and the centre. We are all Libyans. We all have the right to live with dignity in this nation. We appreciate the cities that have been delayed in joining the revolution as a result of the siege.”

Jalil, a former justice minister in the Al Qathafi regime who jumped ship only days after the beginning of the conflict in mid-February, and who assumed the role of chairman of an interim government, the NTC, went on to say that in the new Libya, “We aim for a country where all people are equal, regardless of race or colour. “

He said that Libya would be “A country in which minorities have rights... and can practice their culture and their way of life. ..and take on their responsibilities. We would like to comfort all countries on the safety of their citizens and their interests in Libya.

"We would like to confirm to the international community that New Libya will take care to establish strong relations on the basis of mutual benefits and mutual respect. It will work hard to become an effective member of the international community; to uphold the international law and human rights;to establish rule of law and to contribute effectively to international peace and security.”

He said that Libya would take care and appreciate the nations that support this revolution and stood by the revolution since its birth until its end. "These countries will have a special form of relations and Libya will have good and friendly relations with everyone,” he added.

Appearing in front of the media representatives just a day after the rebels' venture into the capital, Tripoli, Mustafa Abdul Jalil said: "During the last few days the revolutionaries in Tripoli have really proved that they are the revolutionaries of the capital. And that the calls for Tripoli to be our capital were rightful calls.

"Muammar Al Qathafi will be remembered and his period of rule through the acts that he committed against the rebels and the world. From political assassinations, arrests and mind games. And oppressing all the efforts of the Libyan people to oust him since the first year of his revolution.”

The head of the NTC said that there were “many, many attempts to oust Al Qathafi. The Libyan people never submitted to Al Qathafi, since the first year of the revolution..or, rather, since the first year of the coup.

"But God has chosen that Al Qathafi's end should be at the hands of these youths, so that they can join the Arab Spring that is going around the Arab nations.”

Abdul Jalil then declared: "Now I say with all transparency that the era of Al Qathafi is over.”

He also warned that there will be obstacles to overcome. "Libyans must realise that the coming period will not be a bed of roses. We face many challenges and we have many responsibilities. Beginning with healing the wounds and putting our hands into one another’s'.

“All this in loyalty to the blood of our martyrs, and to the principles that this revolution was created for: creating safety, security, peace and prosperity. These principles can only be achieved through reconciliation, forbearance and tolerance,” he added.

Then he went on to say: "All of this will be done after we put the finishing touches and we identify those who are responsible for acts in Libya. Therefore I call upon all Libyans to practice self control and to protect the lives and properties of others."

Jalil called on the rebels to show that Libya is a country of "religiously moderate" people. He urged for "everyone to take care and guard properties both public and private."

At the beginning of his address to the conference, Jalil expressed his thanks. "We would like to give great thanks to the international community that supported the Libyan people during their crisis and through the UN resolutions 1970 and 1973 took steps to protect civilians and prevented human catastrophes and massacres that were about to take place against the Libyan people.”

"We thank in particular, all the countries that provided all kinds of support from the birth of this revolution until the moment of victory.

Turning to Al Qathafi's actions, he said: Al Qathafi has tried ... to instigate civil war and division between the sons of a unified Libya. But the children and sons and daughters of Libya have proved to the world how patriotic and how responsible they are. And how proud they are about the unity and safety of their nation."

Jalil congratulated the rebels on taking Tripoli, and said that AL Qathafi tried to "scare" the international community by saying that Islamic extremists were part of the rebels' movement.

He went on to say that the rebel fighters will put down their arms as soon as the conflict is over, and will go back to being "productive" civilians.

He referred to "some infractions" that were allowed during this period, but warned that they would not be allowed any more. He called for the protection of the rights and safety of civilians, as well as for forgiveness and building a "state of law that will provide fair trials for all people who were victims" and for those accused of causing damage.

After his address, the NTC head invited questions from the press. Answering a question about his role after the fall of Al Qathafi, he said: "My role will continue, unless I lose control of the aspirations and goals that I aim for. But I expect that the youths of Libya and the revolutionaries will be up to the responsibility. We aim for peace, justice and a nation of law."

Asked about conditions under which he may resign, he said: "Initially, I must say that the revolutionaries are the basis of this revolution. And they led the revolution against this regime by conducting peaceful protests. They bore the burden of the military battles. They also bore the burden of providing security within the cities.

"My fear is some actions which are outside the framework of the orders they get from their leaders, particularly those concerning revenge. I object strongly to any execution outside the framework of the law, regardless of the act done. I hail the leaders of these groups and trust their word but some of their followers worry me.

"I respect the law and aim to establish a state of law. Therefore anyone who has fallen victim to any acts must" present evidence so that justice may be done. "Judgments will be open to reconciliation and execution as well," he said.

He also admitted that the rebels don't currently have complete control of Tripoli and he doesn't know the whereabouts of Al Qathafi. "I can't say that the revolutionaries have complete control over Tripoli. Bab al-Azziziyah and the surrounding areas are still outside our control, so we have no knowledge of whether AQathafi is (hiding) there.

"As for cities currently under siege such as Sirte and Sabha, they will rise up from within as the stranglehold that Al Qathafi's forces have them under eases."

He assured everyone that Al Qathafi's sons, Seif al-Islam and Mohammed are under the control of the revolutionaries and they are in safe places.
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Comment:
I wish best of luck to the Libyan people. Do not make the mistakes of the past and fall into division and faction fighting, we in Ireland have suffered many generations of this and it takes a long time to undo the damage. Reach out to each other and build a shared future. With all the resources, both Human and Natural, your future could be very bright indeed. Welcome to the World Libya!
Comment:
Boo !
Comment:
Mr Mustafa Abdel Jalil ,you are going to be a great Leader,good luck and God bless.
Malta is praying for Libya.
Comment:
To the Rebels of Libya... I salute you!
Comment:
well done you rebellious people of libya.your country will be another iraq and afghanistan. soon you will see collinisation of your country by the american and the european.as for the rebels the soul of every man women and children that you kill with the help of nato bomb will soon take your life in a much painfull ways for god is great.
Comment:
Good job!
Comment:
well done mr mustafa abdul jalil you are just another champion dog of the american and nato.how many people in your country died because of you. have you count? do you know how many more people will be bomb by the nato with the help of the american? i am sure you know because this is all your work.so stop talking about saving life be kind and law etc.you have acted beyond human.your sin is the same as the american and nato.you think you can live happily after all this killing?hope god will punish you for the death of all the children, man and women that you have a hand in.believe me that your life will be very very miserable soon.
Comment:
Congratulations Lybians. You have overcome such odds. You honor yourselfs with bravery, patriotism, and vigor. You serve as an inspiration to your families and the world. Your future is now in your own hands. Freedom is fragile, defend it. Stand tall, you should be proud. Congratulations!
Comment:
May his words inspire his people to hold to the path he outlines.
Comment:
The Libyan people have done a great thing! But now comes the hard part - freedom is never free.

The whole world is hoping for peace, prosperity and happiness for Libya!!

The whole world is crying tears of joy! Our brothers are free! They are finally free! May God preserve this freedom!
Comment:
This is a proud moment for the people of Libya. The words spoken here are good, they must be followed with good actions. The new laws of the land and government must be constructed carefully and vigilance maintained to assure freedom and equality for the people of Libya.
 
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