By Zach Waksman
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

PARIS, France – Yesterday, the leaders of Libya’s National Transitional Council (NTC) met in Paris with representatives of 63 countries to discuss the country’s transition to a democratic regime.  The nations in attendance agreed to give the provisional government $15 billion worth of frozen assets so that the rebuilding process can begin.  During the meeting, NTC chairman Mustafa Abdel-Jalil vowed that Libya would have a new constitution and elections for a permanent government within the next 18 months.

While former leader Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi’s regime is all but dead, the man himself remains at large.  The NTC has promised to continue its search for the recently deposed despot until he is found “dead or alive,” and would not consider the present conflict to be over until then.  Despite this, Guma El-Gamaty, its representative in London, said that starting to undo the damage he wrought during his 42-year rule and the last six months of internal strife should not wait until that time comes.

“As long as Tripoli, the capital, is stabilized and secure and safe, which it almost is now, and the overwhelming majority of other cities and towns, then Libyans can get on with the process of transition and stabilization and the new political process,” El-Gamaty told the BBC.

Today, reconstruction minister Ahmad Jehani and rebuilding team member Aref Nayed, met with experts in post-conflict rebuilding from several groups, including the International Monetary Fund.  Libya’s financial situation was further buoyed when the European Union lifted sanctions on 28 entities, including its oil companies and banks, which should ease the financial burden on its reconstruction needs.  Five international oil companies have already arrived in order to help resume its operations.

“The issue of damage is not much and you can get procurement very fast,” Jehani reportedly said.  “This is helped by the fact the producing wells are under contract to international firms, if they feel they can deploy their people.”

In the short term, the temporary government must restore supply lines for food, water, and medicine, while also ensuring continued security.  Over the long term, the country expects to be capable of funding its own reconstruction because it is an oil-rich country with a small population.

Despite the positive vibes that emanated from the conference, which was held on the anniversary of Gaddafi’s ascension to power, the NTC remains in a tenuous position.  Libya is a historically tribal nation.  During the rebellion, these various tribes and ethnicities did not always fight as a single force, so unity is unclear.  Because so many interests exist, the NTC will have to first gain their trust before they can continue with its ambitions plan to set up a government, which include having a draft constitution within eight months and full elections in 2013.

The road to prosperity may be long, but the NTC is optimistic.  Though he said the world’s bet that the rebellion against Gaddafi would succeed paid off, Jalil did not consider the fight to be over yet.

“It’s up to you [the Libyan people] to accomplish what we promised: stability, peace and reconciliation,” he said.  “We have to make sure that we fulfill our side of the deal. We must have security in Libya. Tolerance and forgiveness must be promoted. The state of law must be respected.”

More than 70 countries, including the United States and Russia, have recognized the NTC as Libya’s legitimate government.

For more information, please see:

BBC — Libya interim leaders vow tolerance and respect for law — 2 September 2011

Reuters — WRAPUP 3 – Libyans pledge democracy as they win Gaddafi billions — 2 September 2011

Tripoli Post — European Union Lifts Sanctions on Libya Imposed Under Al Qathafi — 2 September 2011

Tripoli Post — Libya’s New Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Democracy, Good Governance — 2 September 2011

New York Times — Libya’s Supporters Gather in Paris to Help Ease New Government’s Transition — 1 September 2011

New York Times — Russia Recognizes Libya Rebels as World Leaders Meet — 1 September 2011