The South African Government statement on Libya

The South African government is closely watching the rapidly unfolding situation in the Libyan capital of Tripoli. With the imminent fall of the government of Colonel Gaddafi,we wish to urge the interim authority in Tripoli to immediately institute an all-inclusive inter-Libyan political dialogue aimed at building a truly representative and people-centred dispensation.

The political and socio-economic transformation of Libya holds real prospects of ushering in a new era based on the will of the people, in which Libya should take its rightful place in the community of nations. As Libya turns a new leaf in its history, the transitional government has the immediate responsibility of building national unity and reconciliation, restoring public order, reconstructing infrastructure, and reviving the economy. In this regard, South Africa pledges to make a contribution to the reconstruction and development of Libya. Consistent with the AU Roadmap, we believe that the wayforward should include the drafting of a new constitution under the supervision of the transitional government, the holding of a referendum on the new constitution leading to the first ever democratic elections in Libya.

The South African government would like to refute and dispell the rumours and claims that it has sent planes to Libya to fly Col Ghaddafi and his family to an undisclosed location. All along we have steadfastly maintained that the future of Libya should be decided by the Libyans themselves. This is what the AU roadmap is all about. An inclusive durable political solution to the Libyan crisis on the basis of the will of the Libyan people. In this regard the AU High Level Committee will convene this coming Thursday, 25 August to review the current situation in Libya. The AU Peace and Security Council will meet the next day on the 26th of August.

For further information please contact Mr. Clayson Monyela spokesperson for DIRCO on 082 884 5974

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Pretoria

22 AUGUST 2011