Libya: UN calls for peaceful resolution of disputes after attack on government official
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 7 March 2013 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, Libya: UN calls for peaceful resolution of disputes after attack on government official, 7 March 2013, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/5139976e2.html [accessed 20 May 2013] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The United Nations envoy in Libya has condemned an attack against the President of the General National Congress and called on all citizens to settle political issues peacefully.
Tarek Mitri, the Secretary-General's Special Representative and head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), contacted Mohammed Magariaf following the gunfire attack against his vehicle and voiced his strong condemnation of the incident.
He called on all Libyans "to refrain from settling political issues through violence and to resort to peaceful means in expressing their demands," according to a news release issued by UNSMIL.
"He also urged them to safeguard and contribute to building and strengthening the State institutions," it added.
The General National Congress, the highest legislative authority in Libya, is working on a legal framework necessary for free, fair, and inclusive elections of the Constituent Assembly.
Yesterday, following reported violence outside the national assembly, UNSMIL strongly encouraged Libya's political and community leaders as well as civil society activists and all Libyans to ensure that the ongoing transition be based on the respect for the law, the democratic principles and peaceful political dialogue.
Also today, UNSMIL voiced deep concern at several recent incidents, including attacks on media organizations, threats against journalists, and violence against a Coptic church and other houses of worship.
"These acts violate fundamental human rights, particularly the freedom of faith and freedom of expression," stated the Mission, which called on political, community, and civil society leaders to deter incitement to violence against anyone based on their political or religious beliefs, ethnic background, nationality, or gender.
