US Senator Calls Libyans 'Inspiration to the World'

With the new Libyan flag as background, US Republican senator John McCain talks to the press in Tripoli

Former American Presidential candidate John McCain, heading a delegation made up of four Republic senators, the most prominent American delegation to travel to the Libya since the ousting of Muammar Al Qathafi from power, said that Libya's revolutionaries were an inspiration to the world, and that he had full confidence in the country's new leaders.

McCain, on his second visit to Libya in five months, having visited the eastern city of Benghazi in April, said he was thrilled to be in Tripoli, adding that he had dreamed of returning to a liberated capital of a free Libya ever since that visit n April.

McCain, said the Libyan success in oust Al Qathafi was inspiring activists in other countries.

"The people of Libya today are inspiring the people in Tehran, in Damascus and even in Beijing and Moscow," he said. "They continue to inspire the world and let people know that even the worst dictators can be overthrown and be replaced by freedom and democracy."

He said his delegation's visit to Tripoli had been exhilarating and hopeful, and urged Libya's new leaders to rein in armed groups and to press the hunt for the fugitive leader, who is still at large and continues to rally his loyalists from his hiding place.

He expressed concern about the proliferation of weapons and armed groups, and said it was important for the country's leadership to continue bring the many armed groups in the city and beyond it under the responsible control of its legitimate governing authority.

"It's also important to bring this war to a dignified and irreversible conclusion, to bring Al Qathafi and his family and his fighters to justice, while ensuring that past wrongs do not become a license for future crimes, especially against minorities," he added

McCain's delegation, that included Lindsey Graham (South Carolina), Mark Kirk (Illinois) and Marco Rubio (Florida), had meetings with the leader of the National Transitional Council, Mustafa Abdul-Jalil, and other high-ranking officials, and visited Martyrs' Square, and a former Al Qathafi prison.

Graham said that in their meetings, the Libyans expressed their gratitude and said they wanted to repay the international community that rallied around Al Qathafi's opponents. He said there is a desire by the Libyan people to make sure that those who helped will get paid back.

McCain and Graham also visited Tripoli under Al Qathafi at a time, in August 2009, when the Libyan leader was moving to normalise his relations with the international community. In that visit they met with Al Qathafi and his son Muatassim and discussed the possible delivery of non-lethal defence equipment to libya.

In comments to the press, McCain said he believed that American investors are more than eager to invest in Libya. We hope and believe that they will be given an opportunity to do so," he said.

He acknowledged, however, that it would be difficult for companies to get started until the country is completely secure. Al Qathafi loyalists continue to put up a fierce resistance in three strongholds in central and southern Libya.

Comments

Name: Dr.	Date: 30/09/2011 19:23:41
Comment: Did he support"occupyWallstreet" in NewYork and.......?

Name: Libya

Date: 10/01/2011 06:20:01

Comment:
Well done the honoable Senator McCain and Colleagues.

Your support and standing by the Libyan people to develop a genuine Democracy and rule of law in Libya is highly appreciated by every wise, loyal and far-sighted Libyan who really cares about the Libyan people and the ruputation of Libya.

Luckily, Libya who an enormous potential for development, moderanization, innovation and rule of law.

The entire Libyans love to deal, exchange and Business Partner with the most civilized, ethical, reputable and highly developed cultures and nations who mutually respect, understand and deal with them fairly and ethically.

They are certainly very appreciative to the American People, The United Kingdom and France for supporting and standing by them in their challenges to build and develop a nation based on Genuine Democracy, Fairness, Freedom, Respect for Human Life and Rule of Law.

Your message is very clear and in depth The Libyans are genuine allies, partners and friends with The most Civilized and Highly Developed and ethical Cultures and nations, especially with The United States, Canada, The United Kingdom and France.

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