A vision of a democratic Libya
by TNC 2011/3/29

The interim national council hereby presents its vision for rebuilding
the democratic state of Libya. This vision responds to the needs and aspirations
of our people, while incorporating the historical changes brought about by the
17 February revolution.


We have learnt from the struggles of our past during the dark days of
dictatorship that there is no alternative to building a free and democratic
society and ensuring the supremacy of international humanitarian law and human
rights declarations. This can only be achieved through dialogue, tolerance,
co-operation, national cohesiveness and the active participation of all
citizens. As we are familiar with being ruled by the authoritarian dictatorship
of one man, the political authority that we seek must represent the free will of
the people, without exclusion or suppression of any voice.


The lessons of our past will outline our social contract through the need to
respect the interests of all groups and classes that comprise the fabric of our
society and not compromise the interests of one at the expense of the other. It
is this social contract that must lead us to a civil society that recognises
intellectual and political pluralism and allows for the peaceful transfer of
power through legal institutions and ballot boxes; in accordance with a national
constitution crafted by the people and endorsed in a referendum.


To that end, we will outline our aspirations for a modern, free and united
state, following the defeat of the illegal Gaddafi regime. The interim national
council will be guided by the following in our continuing march to freedom,
through espousing the principles of political democracy. We recognise without
reservation our obligation to:


1. Draft a national constitution that clearly defines its nature, essence and
purpose and establishes legal, political, civil, legislative, executive and
judicial institutions. The constitution will also clarify the rights and
obligations of citizens in a transparent manner, thus separating and balancing
the three branches of legislative, executive and judicial powers.


2. Form political organisations and civil institutions including the
formation of political parties, popular organisations, unions, societies and
other civil and peaceful associations.


3. Maintain a constitutional civil and free state by upholding intellectual
and political pluralism and the peaceful transfer of power, opening the way for
genuine political participation, without discrimination.


4. Guarantee every Libyan citizen, of statutory age, the right to vote in
free and fair parliamentary and presidential elections, as well as the right to
run for office.


5. Guarantee and respect the freedom of expression through media, peaceful
protests, demonstrations and sit-ins and other means of communication, in
accordance with the constitution and its laws in a way that protects public
security and social peace.


6. A state that draws strength from our strong religious beliefs in peace,
truth, justice and equality.


7. Political democracy and the values of social justice, which include:


a. The nation’s economy to be used for the benefit of the Libyan people by
creating effective economic institutions in order to eradicate poverty and
unemployment – working towards a healthy society, a green environment and a
prosperous economy.


b. The development of genuine economic partnerships between a strong and
productive public sector, a free private sector and a supportive and effective
civil society, which overstands corruption and waste.


c. Support the use of science and technology for the betterment of society,
through investments in education, research and development, thus enabling the
encouragement of an innovative culture and enhancing the spirit of creativity.
Focus on emphasising individual rights in a way that guarantees social freedoms
that were denied to the Libyan people during the rule of dictatorship. In
addition to building efficient public and private institutions and funds for
social care, integration and solidarity, the state will guarantee the rights and
empowerment of women in all legal, political, economic and cultural spheres.


d. A constitutional civil state which respects the sanctity of religious
doctrine and condemns intolerance, extremism and violence that are manufactured
by certain political, social or economic interests. The state to which we aspire
will denounce violence, terrorism, intolerance and cultural isolation; while
respecting human rights, rules and principles of citizenship and the rights of
minorities and those most vulnerable. Every individual will enjoy the full
rights of citizenship, regardless of colour, gender, ethnicity or social
status.


8. Build a democratic Libya whose international and regional relationships
will be based upon:


a. The embodiment of democratic values and institutions which respects its
neighbours, builds partnerships and recognises the independence and sovereignty
of other nations. The state will also seek to enhance regional integration and
international co-operation through its participation with members of the
international community in achieving international peace and security.


b. A state which will uphold the values of international justice,
citizenship, the respect of international humanitarian law and human rights
declarations, as well as condemning authoritarian and despotic regimes. The
interests and rights of foreign nationals and companies will be protected.
Immigration, residency and citizenship will be managed by government
institutions, respecting the principles and rights of political asylum and
public liberties.


c. A state which will join the international community in rejecting and
denouncing racism, discrimination and terrorism while strongly supporting peace,
democracy and freedom.

The Treatment of Detainees and Prisoners
by TNC 2011/3/25

The Interim Transitional National Council (TNC) expresses its deepest regret
for the various false allegations relating to the treatment of prisoners and
detainees, in breach of international humanitarian laws.


The TNC would like to reiterate that its policies strictly adhere to the 
"Geneva Convention relative to the treatment of Prisoners of War" as well as
with the ethical and moral values of the Libyan society. The council conveys its
regret for some individual incidents that had occurred during the first few days
of the revolution and guarantees that this would not be repeated. Clear codes of
conduct have been issued from the National Interim council and include:

1. Any Libyan caught whether they be military personnel or citizens recruited
   to cause sabotage and spread chaos, should not be titled as ‘Prisoner’ but
   as a Libyan brother (or sister) who has been deceived.


2. All prisoners and detainees will be provided with food, water and necessary
   medical assistance and will be treated humanely, without the use of aggression
   in any form. The TNC will vow to punish those who violate this code and will
   allow local and international human rights organizations to freely visit and
   talk to the detainees and prisoners at any time.


3. Detainees and prisoners will be allowed to contact their relatives and
   arrangements will be made to allow them to return home without any restrictions
   or conditions.


4. The Transitional National Interim Council reaffirms its strict compliance
   with the above and calls on all Libyan citizens to strictly abide by these
   codes.

Statement of the Transitional National Council on Counter-Terrorism
2011/3/30

The Transitional National Council affirms the Islamic identity of the Libyan
People, its commitment to the moderate Islamic values, its full rejection to the
extremist ideas and its commitment to combating them in all circumstances, and
refuses the allegations aiming to associate al-Qaeda with the revolutionists in
Libya.


It emphasizes that the danger of terrorism threatens all nations and it
should not be associated with any religion, culture or ethnicity; and it affirms
its strong condemnation and its commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms
and manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purposes,
as it constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and
security.


It emphasizes also its full commitment to the implementation of the relevant
Security Council resolutions on Counter-Terrorism, including the resolutions on
the Sanctions concerning al-Qaeda and Taliban, with the full commitment to all
measures and sanctions concerning any individual or entity associated with
al-Qaeda and Taliban as determined by the Sanctions Committee.


It affirms its commitment to the implementation of the resolutions adopted by
the General Assembly regarding measures to eradicate international Terrorism
including the measures outlined in the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism
Strategy, and to work with Member States in the United Nations and international
and regional organizations to the comprehensive implementation of the strategy,
and to conclude the preparation of the comprehensive convention for the
eradication of terrorism,


It pledges to work for the enhancement of the important role played by the
United Nations, its committees and its task forces on Counter-Terrorism with a
full cooperation, to join and commit to all international conventions and
protocols relating to Counter-Terrorism, and to work on the legislative and
executive levels for the application of provisions and measures contained in
it.


 


Issued in Benghazi on 30 March 2011

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