Monday, August 22, 2011

Change in Libya should be a lesson for region's leaders, says Davutoğlu

(22 August 2011,Today's Zaman)--Turkey hailed triumph of the opposition groups in Libya, saying it is one of the most important phases of a new era in the North African country, and underlined that what happens in Libya should be a lesson for everyone in the region.

Foreign Minister A Davutoğlu with Ethiopia's Foreign Minister H Desselegn (Photo: AA)
It was not clear whether the remarks, made by Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu, were a direct reference to Syria, where President Bashar al-Assad remains defiant in the face of anti-regime protests that have been shaking the country since March.

Assad, facing calls from the West to leave power, said in a TV interview on Sunday that unrest sweeping Syria had become more militant but he was confident it could be controlled and warned that any military action against his nation would backfire. "As for the threat of a military action ... any action against Syria will have greater consequences (on those who carry it out), greater than they can tolerate," Assad said.

“Leaders in other countries should be aware that they can remain in power as long as they are sensitive towards demands of their people and satisfy their people's needs,” Davutoğlu, who met Assad for more than six hours earlier this month in Damascus to urge him to end violence agaimst protesters, told a news conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Libyan rebels swept into the heart of the capital city of Tripoli, cheered on by crowds hailing the end of Muammar Gaddafi's 42 years in power. “Today is a historic day for Libya. One of the most important steps towards the creation of a new Libya is now being taken,” Davutoğlu said. He said the new Libya should be “democratic, free and united” and described it as a “significant success” that the double-headed power structure in Libya is now eliminated.

Rebels had declared their rule from Benghazi after revolts against Gaddafi's four-decade rule began, while Gaddafi forces had remained entrenched in Tripoli. The foreign minister reiterated support for the rebel National Transitional Council and said Turkey hoped that Libya will be rebuilt under the leadership of the National Transitional Council and with support from the international community as soon as possible.

“It is important that clashes end as of now and a new political process begin,” he said. “We hope that daily life in Tripoli will soon get back to normal and Libya will be able to build its future around a single authority,” Davutoğlu added.
Source:  Today's Zaman

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