Libya’s resources must benefit all Libyans, say MEPs

Parliament expressed full support for the National Transitional Council (NTC), and urged the EU to assist the new Libyan authorities in building a unified, democratic and pluralist Libya that guarantees human rights and fundamental freedoms.

MEPs called on EU member states to seek UN Security Council authorisation to release frozen Libyan assets to help the NTC to deliver the governance Libya needs.

MEPs urged all countries, and especially Libya’s neighbours, to co-operate with the NTC and the International Criminal Court, to ensure that Gaddafi and his inner circle are brought to justice.

EU assistance is needed in reforming the Libyan police and armed forces, as well as disarming, demobilising and reintegrating former combatants, said the resolution.

Parliament urged the NTC to protect the rights of minority and vulnerable groups, including thousands of sub-Saharan African migrants who face harassment solely due to their skin colour.

Finally, MEPs stressed that the NTC should impose high standards of transparency in domestic strategic economic sectors, so as to ensure that Libya’s natural resources benefit the whole population.”

Nationalist MEP Simon Busuttil said EU member states had a long experience in the development of democracy, and that member states should be ready to help Libyans in every step they take towards democracy.