Libya's new regime promises moderate rule
TRIPOLI: The World Bank said it recognizes the National Transitional Council as Libyas official government, after the new regime promised moderate Islamic rule and to investigate alleged war crimes. Explaining its decision was based on evolving events in Libya and the views of member countries, the bank pledged a major rebuilding role.
The move came as the NTC sought the surrender of Qaddafi diehards who have been mounting attacks against its fighters from a few enclaves including Bani Walid, southeast of Tripoli.
But the pro-NTC forces who brought down the Qaddafi regime found themselves on Tuesday also accused of committing war crimes by Amnesty International.
These things happen in a civil war. They aren't right but they happen. | Amnesty said in the first days of the uprising groups of protesters killed a number of captured soldiers and suspected mercenaries. But Amnesty acknowledged the atrocities allegedly committed by the now governing opposition were of a smaller scale than those carried out by Qaddafis regime.
The NTC responded by vowing to investigate the allegations, while acknowledging there are a small number of incidents involving those opposed to Qaddafi. In a statement issued in Benghazi, the councils executive committee said the NTC is firmly committed to human rights and the rule of law, both international and local.
In his first public speech since arriving in Tripoli on Saturday, Libyas interim leader Mustafa Abdel Jalil told thousands of supporters in Martyrs Square that moderate Islam would be Libyas main source of legislation.
We seek a state of law, prosperity and one where Shariah is the main source for legislation, and this requires many things and conditions, he said, adding that extremist ideology would not be tolerated.
NTC officials said they did not advertize the public appearance for fear pro-Qaddafi elements would try to disrupt it.
The most important thing was what he said about building a nation of laws, and his reassurances about extremism, from the left or the right, Islamists or secularists, Osama Gheriani, a 30-year-old dentist, said. Its a moderate country. This was the most important point.
Sure Osama. Wanna bet we get a pic of you as Libya's "rage boy" in a few months? |
Posted by: Steve White 2011-09-14 |