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Revision as of 23:37, 23 March 2011

Libyan Republic
الجمهورية الليبية
al-Jumhūriyya al-Lībiyya
Flag of Libya
Motto: Freedom, Justice, Democracy
CapitalClaimed: Tripoli
Temporary headquarters: Benghazi
Official languagesArabic (de facto)
Demonym(s)Libyan
Government
Mustafa Abdul Jalil
Mahmoud Jebril
Establishment
17 February 2011
• National Council established
27 February 2011
ISO 3166 codeLY

The Libyan Republic (Arabic: الجمهورية الليبية al-Jumhūriyya al-Lībiyya),[1] is one of two entities that claims to be the official government of Libya, a country in North Africa.

A National Transitional Council was formed by anti-Gaddafi rebels during the 2011 uprising. Its formation was announced in the city of Benghazi on 27 February 2011 and its intended purpose is to act as the "political face of the revolution". On 5 March 2011, the council issued a statement in which it declared itself to be the "sole representative of all Libya".[2][3][4] An interim government was formed by the council on 23 March 2011.

The council refers to the state as the "Libyan Republic" while the Gaddafi government's name for Libya is the "Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya".

Background

2011 uprising

Main article: 2011 Libyan uprising

After popular movements overturned the rulers of Tunisia and Egypt, its immediate neighbours to the west and east, Libya experienced a full-scale uprising beginning in February 2011.[5][6] By 20 February, the unrest had spread to Tripoli. As of late February 2011, much of Libya had slipped out of Gaddafi's control, falling to the Anti-Gaddafi forces. Eastern Libya, centered around the second city and vital port of Benghazi, was firmly under the control of the opposition. The opposition began to organise themselves into a functioning government.[7]

Early efforts to form a government

Opposition meeting in Al Bayda, 24 February 2011

On 24 February 2011, politicians, former military officers, tribal leaders, academics and businessmen held a meeting in the eastern city of Al Bayda.[8] The meeting was chaired by former justice minister Mustafa Abdul Jalil, who quit the government a few days before. The delegates discussed proposals for interim administration with many delegates asking for UN intervention in Libya.[9] The podium at the meeting displayed the pre-Jamahiriya flag.[10][11][12]

On 25 February 2011, Al-Jazeera TV reported that talks are taking place between "personalities from eastern and western Libya" to form an interim government for the post-Gaddafi era.[10] On 26 February, it was reported that former justice minister Mustafa Mohamed Abud Al Jeleil was leading the process of forming an interim body, to be based in Benghazi.[13][14] Mr Abud Al Jeleil stated that "Gaddafi alone bore responsibility for the crimes that have occurred" in Libya; he also insisted on the unity of Libya and that Tripoli is the capital.[15] The efforts to form an alternative government have been supported by the Libyan ambassador in the United States, Ali Suleiman Aujali.[16][17] The Libyan deputy ambassador to the United Nations, Ibrahim Omar Al Dabashi, has stated that he supported a new alternative government "in principle".[18]

Establishment of a national council

A National Transitional Council was formed on 27 February 2011 to act as "the political face of the revolution".[19] Its spokesman Hafiz Ghoga made clear at the launch press conference that the national council is not a provisional government and Ghoga also added that the newly formed council was not contacting foreign governments and did not want them to intervene.[20] He later clarified that an airstrike mandated by the United Nations would not be considered a foreign intervention.[21]

An Al Jazeera English journalist in Benghazi has reported that a fully fledged interim government will not be formed until Tripoli is under opposition control.[22] This is in contrast to claims made by former justice minister Mustafa Abdul Jalil on the previous day about the formation of a provisional government. These comments have now been clarified by the council as his "personal views".

On 5 March 2011, the council issued a statement in which it declared itself to be the "sole representative of all Libya". It was also stated that Mustafa Abdul Jalil was chairperson of the council.[2][3][4]

Formation of a transitional government

On 23 March the council established a transtional government, and Mahmoud Jibril was appointed as interim Prime Minister, claiming that the council serves as the "legislative body", and the government will serve as the "Executive body".[23][24] Jebril is known to be leading the meeting and negotiations with french President Nicolas Sarkozy, a meeting that resulted in France officially recognizing the council as the sole representative of the Libyan people.

Aims and objectives of the national council

The "Declaration of the founding of the Transitional National Council" states the main aims of the council are as follows:[25]

  • Ensure the safety of the national territory and citizens
  • Coordination of national efforts to liberate the rest of the Libya
  • Support the efforts of local councils to work for the restoration of normal civilian life
  • Supervise of the Military Council to ensure the achievement of the new doctrine of the Libyan People's Army in the defense of the people and protect the borders of Libya
  • Facilitate the election of a constituent assembly to draft a new constitution for the country; be put to a popular referendum
  • Form a transitional government to pave the holding of free elections
  • Guide the conduct of foreign policy, and the regulation of relations with other countries and international and regional organizations, and the representation of the Libyan people

Government and Politics

National Transitional Council (legislative body)

National Transitional Council
المجلس الوطني الانتقالي,
al-majlis al-waṭanī al-intiqālī
File:National Transitional Council logo.png
Type
Type
Leadership
Chairman
Deputy Chairman
Seats31 members
Meeting place
Benghazi, Libya (interim)
Website
http://ntclibya.org/english/

The National Transitional Council (Arabic: المجلس الوطني الانتقالي, al-majlis al-waṭanī al-intiqālī) is a 31 member body that claims to be the "only legitimate body representing the people of Libya and the Libyan state".[27]

Al Jazeera English reported that each city or town under opposition control will be given five seats on the new council and that contact will be established with new cities that come under opposition control to allow them to join the council. The identities of members of the council were not disclosed at the launch conference. What is known is that human rights lawyer Hafiz Ghoga is the spokesperson for the new council. An Al Jazeera English journalist in Benghazi stated that Mustafa Mohamed Abud Al Jeleil still had a leadership role within the new council.[20] The Council declared that Jeleil is the head of the council.[4] The council met formally for the first time on 5 March 2011[4] when it was announced that the council has 31 members.[28] The names of some of the members are being kept secret to prevent threats to their families that are still in Government held areas of Libya.[29]

Membership of the council

The council has 31 members; the identities of several members has not been made public to protect their own safety.

The members of the council include:[30]

  • Mustafa Mohammed Abdul Jalil - chairman of the council
  • Othman Suleiman El-Megyrahi - Batnan area
  • Ashour Hamed Bourashed - Darna city
  • Abdelallah Moussa El-myehoub - Qouba area
  • Ahmed Abduraba Al-Abaar - Benghazi city
  • Fathi Mohamed Baja - Benghazi city
  • Abdelhafed Abdelkader Ghoga - Benghazi city
  • Zubiar Ahmed El-Sharif - representative of political prisoners
  • Fathi Tirbil and Dr. Salwa Fawzi El-Deghali - representative of youth and women

Interim government (executive body)

Politics of Libya

Arab League Member State of the Arab League

Constitution
Executive
Legislature
Judiciary
Administrative divisions
Elections
Foreign relations
flag Libya portal

On 5 March 2011, a crisis committee was set up to act as the executive arm of the council. A transitional government was announced on 23 March 2011. [31] [32]

The executive body consists of:[33]

Other ministers are yet to be announced.[34]

Local government

In opposition-held Benghazi, a 15 member "local committee"[35] made up of lawyers, judges and respected local people has been formed in order to provide civic administration and public services within the city.[36] Residents have organised to direct traffic and collect refuse. Many shops and businesses have opened again.[36] A newspaper[37] and two local radio stations have also been established.[38]

Similar "local committees" are being formed in other cities controlled by opposition groups.[39]

Commercial bodies

The council has established the following commercial bodies to manage its financial affairs:

  • The Central Bank of Benghazi - to act as the "monetary authority competent in monetary policies in Libya" [40]
  • Libyan Oil Company - to act as the "supervisory authority on oil production and policies in the country" [41]

Armed forces

The Libyan People's Army is a Libyan armed force which was constituted during the 2011 Libyan uprising by defected military members in order to engage in battle against both remaining members of the Libyan Armed Forces and paramilitia loyal to the rule of Muammar Gaddafi.

The Free Libyan Air Force is the NTCs air arm, with assets including captured/defected fighter jets and helicopters.

Foreign relations

Foreign policy

In its 5 March 2011 "Founding Statement", the Council stated, "Furthermore, we request from the international community to fulfill its obligations to protect the Libyan people from any further genocide and crimes against humanity without any direct military intervention on Libyan soil."[4] Ali Al-Eisawi was designated the Council's foreign affairs spokesperson in March 2011.[42]

Recognition

Entity Date of recognition Status of reciprocal diplomatic relations
1  France[43] 10 March 2011 An Élysée source announces that France plans to send an ambassador to Benghazi.[44]
2  United Kingdom 10 March 2011 Britain and France officially calling for the EU to recognise the council.[45]
3  Portugal[46][47] 10 March 2011 The Portuguese government has yet to issue a formal statement.
4  Arab League 12 March 2011 Stated the council represents the Libyan people, and will establish communication channels [48][49]

International response

Countries

The council has stated that it would like to be recognised by the international community. The Chair of the Council told Al Jazeera that [[d:Special:EntityPage/QTHERE ARE OFFICIAL CONTACTS WITH EUROPEAN AND ARAB [COUNTRIES]| (QTHERE ARE OFFICIAL CONTACTS WITH EUROPEAN AND ARAB [COUNTRIES])]].[50][51]

The following countries have expressed their support for the council:

  •  Italy: On 28 February 2011, Italian foreign minister Franco Frattini said that (at this time) "only Italy has contacts with the new Libyan National Council".[52] Italian government has supported the UN resolution and has stated their willingness to support and participate on international military intervention.[53]
  •  Portugal: Portugal has recognized the National Transition Council as the government of Libya, but the government has yet to release an official statement.
  •  United States: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton indicated she is to meet anti-Gaddafi opposition leaders during an upcoming trip to Egypt and Tunisia.[56] After a meeting between Clinton and representatives of the council, the European Union and the U.S have decided to talk to the council without official recognizing them, in order to seek further information on the group and its goals.[57] On 17 March 2011, ahead of a U.N vote on a no-fly zone, Under Secretary of State William Burns affirmed U.S support for a no-fly zone, as well as more aggressive measures to restrain Gaddhafi. He stated that the U.S is investigating transferring Gaddhafi's frozen assets to the rebels to help them to acquire weapons, and that the National Transitional Council may open an embassy in Washington.[58]

International organisations

The following organisations have expressed their support for the council:

  •  Arab League: Reports indicate that the Arab League had been involved in a move by "a European leader close to Gaddafi" to encourage Gaddafi to leave Libya in return for him not being prosecuted for his actions against the population. The Arab League voted for a no-fly zone at a special meeting in Cairo. The National Transitional Council was said to have given its consent, and Amr Moussa, secretary general of the Arab League had been speaking to the National Transitional Council's head, Mustafa Mohamed Abud Al Jeleil, for the first time.[59] Following a special meeting of foreign ministers held on 12 March 2011, the Arab League voted to ask the United Nations to establish a no-fly zone over Libya.[60] The league also declared that the Gaddafi regime had "lost its legitimacy" and that it would instead "cooperate with the national council".[61] Libya is currently suspended from the proceedings of the Arab League.
  •  Gulf Cooperation Council: GCC have issued a statement that Gaddafi and his regime have lost their legitimacy and that they will form a relationship with the National Transitional Council.[55]
  •  European Union - EU leaders at a summit expressed political backing for the Libyan National Council. The Commission President José Manuel Barroso stated that "The problem has a name: Gaddafi. He must go".[62] EU leaders also announced it would cut off all ties with Moamer al-Gaddafi and would instead deal with the council.[63] After a meeting between Clinton and representatives of the council, the EU and the U.S have decided to talk to the council without officially recognizing them, in order to seek further information on the group and its goals.[57]

Individuals

The following individuals have expressed their support for the council:

  • Ibrahim Al-Dabashi, Deputy Libyan ambassador to the U.N, has stated that he is now representing the National Transitional Council.[64] Prior to the establishment of the council, he along with the whole Libyan mission to the U.N have stated they no longer represent Gaddafi and now represent the Libyan people.
  • Muhammad as-Senussi, Current Pretender to the Libyan Throne, stated he supports the National Transitional Council as long as they continue to act in the best interest of the Libyan people.[65]
  • Yusuf al-Qaradawi, Egyptian Islamist Sheikh, declared his support for the rebels led by the Council in the 2011 Libyan uprising, urging Arab nations to recognize the Council and “to confront the tyranny of the regime in Tripoli". He suggested weapons be sent to the rebels to assist the, and said “Our Islamic nation should stand against injustice and corruption and I urge the Egyptian government to extend a helping hand to Libyan people and not to Gaddafi.”[66]

No-fly zone

Main article: Libyan no-fly zone

United Nations resolution 1973 authorized a multi-national effort to establish a no-fly zone. On 19 March, British, French and United States air forces began attacking targets in Gaddafi-controlled Libya, thereby initiating efforts towards establishing a no-fly zone.

See also

References

  1. ^ "The Libyan Republic - The Interim Transitional National Council". Ntclibya.org. 5 March 2011. Retrieved 10 March 2011.
  2. ^ a b "Ferocious battles in Libya as national council meets for first time". 6 March 2011. Retrieved 6 March 2011.
  3. ^ a b The Interim Transitional National Council Decree 3, published 5 March 2011
  4. ^ a b c d e "Founding statement of the Interim Transitional National Council". Transitional National Council. 5 March 2011. Archived from the original on 7 March 2011. Retrieved 7 March 2011. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ "Live Blog - Libya | Al Jazeera Blogs". Blogs.aljazeera.net. 17 February 2011. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
  6. ^ "News | Libya February 17th". Libyafeb17.com. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
  7. ^ "Map of How the Protests Unfolded in Libya". New York Times. 25 February 2011. Retrieved 26 February 2011]. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  8. ^ http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/spotlight/libya/
  9. ^ Star, Malta
  10. ^ a b "Middle East", News, World, UK: BBC {{citation}}: Text "http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12307698" ignored (help)
  11. ^ New government forms in Easter Libya, US: NPR, 23 February 2011
  12. ^ "Libya's Eastern rebels long time Qaddafi foes driving revolt", Business Week, News, 25 February 2011
  13. ^ CBN News, World (Global Filipino ed.), ABS, 26 February 2011 http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/world/02/26/11/terror-tripoli-pressure-builds-yemen {{citation}}: Missing or empty |title= (help); Text "Pressure builds: Yemen" ignored (help)
  14. ^ "Libya", Live Blog, Africa, Catar: Al Jazeera, 26 February 2011
  15. ^ "Ex-Libyan minister forms interim government: report", Finance news, LSE
  16. ^ Oil News, Energy, Reuters http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFN2613766620110226 {{citation}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  17. ^ "Libya", Live blog, Catar: Al Jazeera, 27 February 2011
  18. ^ News, Africa, Catar: Al Jazeera, 27 February 2011 http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/02/201122702915408866.html# {{citation}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  19. ^ "Anti-Gaddafi figures say form national council". 28 February 2011. Retrieved 5 March 2011.
  20. ^ a b Al-Jazeera English (27 February 2011). "Libya opposition launches council". English news. Retrieved 5 March 2011.
  21. ^ New York Times (1 March 2011). "Libyan Rebels Said to Debate Seeking U.N. Airstrikes". Retrieved 5 March 2011.
  22. ^ Reported on Al-Jazeera English TV by Hoda Abdel-Hamid
  23. ^ למען מיסראתה: מטוסי המערב תקפו טנקים, Maariv, 23 March, 2011
  24. ^ "Libyan air force 'no longer exists'". Al Jazeera. 23 March 2011. Retrieved 23 March 2011.
  25. ^ http://ntclibya.org/arabic/first-announcement/
  26. ^ http://thenewadmin.com/top-stories/qaddafi-forces-renew-assault-against-rebels-on-2-fronts/
  27. ^ "Introducing the Council | The Libyan Republic - The Interim Transitional National Council". Ntclibya.org. Retrieved 10 March 2011.
  28. ^ "Council members". Transitional National Council. 5 March 2011. Archived from the original on 7 March 2011. Retrieved 7 March 2011. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  29. ^ "Council says it is Libya's sole representative", Worldwide News, AE: The National {{citation}}: Text "http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/council-says-its-libyas-sole-representative" ignored (help)
  30. ^ http://ntclibya.org/english/council-members/
  31. ^ http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/03/201132316258646677.html#
  32. ^ http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/03/2011322193944862310.html#
  33. ^ "Rebel National Libya Council sets up crisis committee". Reuters. 5 March 2011. Retrieved 5 March 2011.
  34. ^ "Libya", News, Reuters
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  37. ^ "First Edition of the Benghazi Newspaper". February 17. 24 February 2011. Retrieved 5 March 2011.
  38. ^ "Founding statement of the Interim Transitional National Council | The Libyan Republic - The Interim Transitional National Council". Ntclibya.org. Retrieved 10 March 2011.
  39. ^ Lourdes Garcia-Navarro (23 February 2011). "Provisional Government Forming In Eastern Libya". NPR. Retrieved 5 March 2011.
  40. ^ http://ntclibya.org/english/meeting-on-19-march-2011/
  41. ^ http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-21/libyan-rebel-council-sets-up-oil-company-to-replace-qaddafi-s.html
  42. ^ Blomfield, Adrian (7 March 2011). "Libya: rebel leadership wants future British assistance 'in a legal way'". The Telegraph.
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  46. ^ "US OPENING NEWS INCLUDING: Moody's downgraded Spanish sovereign rating to Aa2 from Aa1, with a negative outlook". Proactive Investors UK. 10 March 2011. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
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  48. ^ Arab League to officially request UN impose no-fly zone on Libya, Haaretz, 12 March 2011
  49. ^ http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/libyan-rebels-get-arab-league-boost-20110313-1bsgx.html
  50. ^ , Reuters http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE72501E20110306 {{citation}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  51. ^ , Google {{citation}}: Missing or empty |title= (help); Unknown parameter |http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5igh0DvqR6b6k1QtSBxI3NQib0PpA?docId= ignored (help)
  52. ^ http://www.lifeinitaly.com/news/frattini-contatti-con-consiglio-libia
  53. ^ http://www.agi.it/english-version/italy/elenco-notizie/201103181922-pol-ren1085-government_gets_green_light_on_libya_action
  54. ^ a b France recognises Libyan rebel council; UK diplomatic bind, Africa, France: RFI, 6 March 2011
  55. ^ a b Al Jazeera English, 9 March 2011
  56. ^ Clinton to meet anti-Gaddafi opposition as world weighs Libya options, Haaretz, 10 March 2010
  57. ^ a b Roland Lloyd Parry, G8 shies away from Libya no-fly plan, AFP, 15 March 2011]]
  58. ^ ארה"ב מבקשת מהאו"ם לאשר תקיפות אוויריות וירי ארטילרי בלוב, Haaretz, 17 March 2011
  59. ^ "משלחת אירופית תציע לקדאפי: עזוב בלי משפט", Yediot Ahronot, 9 March 2011
  60. ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12723554
  61. ^ http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view/20110313-325099/Libyan-regime-lost-legitimacyArab-League
  62. ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12711162
  63. ^ http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/africa/news/article_1625543.php/Arab-League-to-study-recognition-of-Libyan-National-Council
  64. ^ Cnn International, 9 March 2011
  65. ^ "Libya's 'exiled prince' urges world action". khaleejtimes.com. Retrieved 10 March 2011.
  66. ^ "Recognise Libyan rebels: Qaradawi‎". Gulf Times. 11 March 2011. Retrieved 20 March 2011.
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