Morocco confirms recognition of NTC

Morocco on Monday confirmed its recognition of the National Transitional Council (NTC) as the sole and legitimate representative of the Libyan people. In a statement to Moroccan TV channels “Al Oula” and “2M”, aired on their evening news, Foreign Minister, Taib Fassi Fihri, stressed that “the Kingdom of Morocco confirms its recognition of the National Transitional Council as the sole and legitimate representative of the Libyan people and carrier of its aspirations for a better future based on equity, justice, democracy and the rule of law.” Fassi Fihri, in this sense, added that on the high instructions of HM King Mohammed VI, he will travel Tuesday to Benghazi, carrying a message to the President of the Libyan NTC, which “is part of Morocco's commitment to provide full support to the brotherly Libyan people in this decisive, important and landmark situation.” He also expressed Morocco’s will, in light of significant changes in Libya after the takeover of most Tripoli’s parts, to see a swift transition of power and responsibility away from revenge and the setting of scores, in order to achieve justice, reveal the truth and determine responsibility, in accordance with international standards in this domain. “Morocco also hopes that concrete actions will be promptly initiated by the NTC, with the support and mobilization of the international community to preserve Lybia’s unity and territorial integrity in order to ensure reconciliation between the various components of the Libyan society, guarantee the country’s security and stability, and enable reconstruction, "said Fassi Fihri. The Kingdom wants the NTC to work to meet the Libyan people’s legitimate expectations, including the establishment of a democratic constitution, the organization of transparent elections and the building of strong institutions, he said. Morocco reiterates its full solidarity with the brotherly Libyan people in the ongoing critical phase and its willingness to provide all forms of assistance so that Libya becomes a reconciled, strong and democratic country, able to re-launch the integration of a united and prosperous Maghreb, he said. Fassi Fihri also noted that the difficult situation in Libya during the recent months is due to the regime's decision to resort to force and intransigence to address the legitimate grievances, expressed by the majority of the Libyan people. In response to peaceful demonstrations of citizens aspiring to be able to speak freely, to be heard and represented, the government made the choice of indiscriminate and harsh repression, causing the death of many civilians, he underlined. The Libyan regime, after 42 years of absence of pluralism, representation and ability to listen, got ready to kill a population that it no longer understood, he said. Since the beginning of the events in Libya, in February, he said, Morocco has always taken a clear and consistent position and followed in an active and responsible manner the developments in this North African country. He, in this regard, stated that this commitment is based on the historical ties of solidarity between the Moroccan and Libyan peoples, who share a common collective destiny, that of building a united and prosperous Maghreb for the benefit of all the region’s peoples. It reflects too the understanding of the legitimate aspirations of the brotherly Libyan people for democracy, freedom and progress and the importance to preserve Libya’s unity, security and stability, Fassi Fihri noted. Faced with this critical situation, and in an attempt to avoid a bloodbath, Morocco “devoted its energy, within the Arab League and the Organization of the Islamic Conference, which led, as we recall, to the original and historic decision of the Arab League to suspend Libya’s participation inside the pan-Arab organization,” noted Mr. Fassi Fihri. He added that these efforts have contributed to the U.N. Security Council resolution 1973 endorsing a no-fly zone over Libya and to protect civilians in order to prevent an expected massacre and pile up pressure on the Libyan regime to bring it to dialogue with representatives of the population. Morocco has strictly and actively applied, the provisions of the U.N. Security Council resolutions 1970 and 1973, in all their dimensions, as Kingdom has implemented the sanctions’ regime, including the arms embargo, a ban on access to Moroccan territory, the freezing of assets. Morocco has since then entered its efforts as part of those made by the international community to find a solution to the Libyan crisis, said Mr. Fassi Fihri, explaining that the Kingdom has actively participated in the International Libya Contact Group, which provides the framework for political and humanitarian coordination during the Libyan crisis. Morocco has also taken part in all meetings of this group - Paris and London in March, Doha in April, Abu Dhabi in June and Istanbul in July – where all participants recognized the NTC as the sole legitimate representative of the Libyan people. At these meetings, Morocco has been helpful and made a valuable contribution, he said, adding that Rabat has been involved in seeking a political solution, contributed to organizing humanitarian assistance, and participating in strategic coordination. Morocco was among the first countries to commend sincerity, determination and courage shown by the NTC at the national level, and the relevance and effectiveness of actions it has undertaken at the international level, he recalled. Morocco has also maintained direct, public and official contacts with the NTC, both at the bilateral level, particularly in Rabat in April, or in the meetings of the Contact Group, said Mr. Fassi Fihri. He added that during these meetings the Kingdom voiced solidarity with the Libyan people in their fight and encouraged the NTC to expand its regional, political and tribal representation. Morocco also called on the NTC to engage in an open and inclusive dialogue and applied its “Democracy and Freedoms Charter,” he said. The Kingdom has also maintained its consulate in Benghazi opened and appointed a new consul general in June, as a point of contact in order to strengthen and intensify its dialogue and coordination with the NTC, he said.     In the humanitarian field, Morocco has sent, in March and June, on the High Instructions of HM King Mohammed VI, urgent aid to refugees in the Tunisian-Libyan border. This aid included large quantities of medicines and medical equipment, in addition to multidisciplinary field hospital and medical teams, recalled the minister, adding that the Kingdom has also participated in humanitarian efforts made by international institutions.