Britain's Cameron pledges continued support for "flourishing" Libya

Feb 17, 2012, 8:55 GMT

London - Britain will continue to support the new government in Libya, which should be 'immensely proud' of the revolution that ended the regime of Moamer Gaddafi, Prime Minister David Cameron said Friday.

Marking the first anniversary of the start of the uprising in Libya, Cameron said Britain would assist the new leaders in 'dealing with the legacy' of Gaddafi's rule.

Britain took a major part in the NATO-led campaign to back the opposition forces which are now in power in Libya.

The toppling of Gaddafi had been a 'defining moment of the Arab Spring' and had given 'inspiration' to others around the world, said Cameron.

Civil society was flourishing in Libya for the first time in 40 years, Cameron said in a message to mark the anniversary.

'There are undoubtedly years of hard work ahead, including disarming militias and building a new Libyan army,' said Cameron.

'We will continue to support Libya, especially to deal with the legacy of the Gaddafi era, to entrench the rule of law, and to prepare for the country's first elections for 40 years in June.'

Amnesty International said in a report Thursday that militias involved in the fighting last year were committing blatant human rights violations against former pro-Gaddafi forces in what was described as revenge attacks.

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