News from the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats in the European Parliament, 20.10.2011The death of former Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, announced today in Sirte, should enable the National Transitional Council (NTC) and all Libyans to move on and focus on the process of democratisation .
"With the death of Gaddafi, Libya's path towards democracy and national reconciliation should be easier. The NTC and all Libyans should now be in a better position to accelerate the transition process and build democratic institutions" commented the European Parliament rapporteur for Libya, Ana Gomes, who is in neighbouring Tunisia to observe the upcoming elections this Sunday.
"I can understand the demonstration of relief in Libya, given the brutal repression which marked his dictatorship over four decades and the atrocities committed by his supporters since the people rebelled. Libyans, whom I met in Tripoli, Benghazi, Misrata and other cities recently, worried that if Gaddafi was alive, he would represent a danger to the transition process, as he would use his fortune and supporters to destabilise the country", adds Ana Gomes.
"Libya will still have to deal with bringing to justice Saif al-Islam and others who were close to Gaddafi and responsible for human rights violations and war crimes".
"The EU should now intensify efforts to assist the NTC on the path to democracy and reconstruction, ensuring respect for human rights and the rule of law for all in Libya", said the rapporteur.
