Ban urges Libyans to show mercy on Qaddafi loyalists

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon praised Libya’s victorious new rulers for their "steadfastedness and courage" during a prolonged NATO-backed military campaign that culminated in today’s killing of Col. Muammar al-Qaddafi, but he encouraged Libyans to show mercy on those who supported the Libyan dictator’s rule.

"At this historic moment I call upon the people of Libya to come together, as they can only realize the promise of the future through national unity and reconciliation," Ban said in a statement. "I pay tribute to the Libyan people for their steadfastness and courage through all the pain they endured. I convey the condolences of the United Nations to the families of those who gave their lives in a struggle for freedom. This is the time for healing and rebuilding, and not for revenge.

The remarks follow reports that anti-Qaddafi fighters have abused and killed captured Qaddafi loyalists as well as foreign migrants they suspect of serving as mercenaries for Gaddafi. The U.N.’s special representative in Libya, Ian Martin, confirmed that "there have been significant abuses" committed by anti-Qaddafi forces in the final assault on Sirte, but that he was confident that the leadership of the National Transitional Council (NTC) was committed to halting such conduct.

Last month, Amnesty International accused anti-Qaddafi’s forces of killing loyalists of the former Libyan rulers as well as foreign migrants suspected of serving as mercenaries. "Dozens of suspected al-Gaddafi loyalists have been killed. Hundreds, especially foreign migrants accused of being mercenaries, are being held prisoner by forces loyal to the NTC," Colm O’Gorman, executive director of Amnesty International Ireland, said in a Sept. 13 statement. "Those responsible for the dreadful repression of the past under Colonel al-Gaddafi must face justice. But the NTC has to be held to the same standards and must do more to avoid a vicious cycle of revenge attacks."

Speaking by teleconference to U.N. reporters, Martin said that while Qaddafi’s death would remove a key source of insecurity from the country, he cautioned that the transition to a more democratic government would not be easy.

Martin expressed concern about the proliferation of weapons in Libya during the conflict, and the prospects of public disorder following Qaddafi’s downfall. "Although the chemical weapons and nuclear material appear to be secured, there’s very serious concern that other weaponry has gone missing."

Martin said the U.N. would play a "significant role" in helping the new government prepare for the political transition, which will include support for elections, the promotion of human rights and law and order, the drafting new constitution, and establishment of a judicial system.

But he said that the Libyans would take the lead in determining their own political future.

"It’s the people of Libya who have made their revolution — it’s the Libyan people, with youth and women very much to the fore, who will lead," Martin said. No one should underestimate, in this moment of celebration in Libya, how great are the challenges that lie ahead."

Martin said the United Nations and the NTC would resist any calls for political amnesty for individuals responsible for mass atrocities in Libya. And he ruled out the prospect that his mission would play any role in establishing the facts surrounding Col. Qaddafi’s death.

"The United Nations has a very clear position that excludes consideration for amnesty for those who committed war crimes, or the most serious human rights violations, and that’s in line with the approach the NTC has announced."

Martin also said that despite public concerns about the humanitarian impact of the conflict in Libya, an initial assessment by U.N. humanitarian workers has shown evidence that Libyans have done a better job of addressing their basic needs.

"What they have found is a very considerable coping mechanism on the part of the Libyans themselves and we don’t believe that the need for international assistance will be a major or prolonged" endeavor.

The U.N. Security Council, which authorized the use of military force in Libya to constrain Qaddafi’s forces and protect civilians, had no immediate plans to meet to reconsider the necessity of NATO continuing its military role. One council diplomat said the coalition partners need to first consult with the NTC to see whether it sees a continued need for NATO’s war planes.

Susan Rice, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, did not address the future of the NATO effort. But she, too, echoed the note of caution: "the death of Col. Muammar Qadhafi after forty-two years of iron rule does not alone guarantee a safer, more democratic and prosperous Libya. The Libyan people will face great challenges in the days ahead. As they do, the United States will stand with them."

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