UN:Tough Road Ahead After Historic Day for Libya

Muammar Gaddafi’s death is a historic moment for Libya, marking “the end of the beginning” of the country’s transition and a chance for all parties in the conflict to lay down their weapons says UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon.

“Now is the time for all Libyans to come together. Libyans can only realize the promise of the future through national unity and reconciliation. Combatants on all sides must lay down their arms in peace.” Ban said before his opening address at a UN panel on global sustainability. 

Ian Martin, the Secretary General’s special representative for Libya told to reporters via video conference from Tripoli that the formation of an interim government and election preparations are expected to begin once the National Transitional Council formally declares liberation, which NTC officials have reportedly set for Friday.

The NTC has already indicated it wants the UN’s help to create a transitional justice system and national reconciliation initiatives.

 After decades of Gaddafi’s rule and month of civil war marked by forced disappearances and summary executions, the extent to which opposition groups will be able to work together remains unclear. 

“No one should underestimate in this moment of celebration in Libya how great are the challenges that lie ahead.” Martin said.“With the history that Libya is today coming out of, nobody should be surprised when this turns out to be a difficult challenge for its new leaders.”

Martin says considerations of amnesty will not be extended by the NTC or UN to former Gaddafi officials accused of war crimes or other grave offenses. Earlier this year, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Col. Gaddafi, his son Saif and spy chief Abdullah al-Senussi. Several media reports indicate al-Senussi and another Gaddafi son, Mutassim, were killed in the battle for Sirte. Martin was unable to confirm Saif’s whereabouts or if Mutassim and al-Senussi were alive. 

Martin says he has no information about the events surrounding Col. Gaddafi’s death but was expecting to be briefed by the National Transitional Council.