Libya Enters a New Era -- Beijing Review

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Aiming for a Good Start

With the departure of Muammar Gaddafi, who ruled Libya for over 40 years, many of us hope that peace and stability will be restored in the North African state. It is now imperative that the Libyan people enjoy the stability they need to begin rebuilding their country

Libya After the Tempest

Aside from the political process, reconstruction is now a top priority of the NTC and Libya. The months-long domestic conflict caused tens of thousands of casualties in Libya and many others became homeless. The country's infrastructure was seriously damaged. Factories, shops and banks were closed. Water and power shortages are common everywhere

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Libya Moves On
Libya has now entered a new era, and China, like other world powers, will actively participate in the war-torn country's reconstruction

After the Smoke Has Faded
The National Transitional Council in Benghazi is a temporary organization established by the rebels to rule the country after Gaddafi steps down

Attacks to Defend Hegemony
Afraid of losing its dwindling position in the Middle East, the West acted quickly against Gaddafi. But this action may hurt Western powers if they cannot bear the heavy burdens and costs of the conflict

Background

Libya Factbox
Area: 1.76 million square km, 95 percent desert or semi-desert Population: 6.2 million, 90 percent Arab Capital: Tripoli, population 1.7 million Oil reserves: 43 billion barrels

China's Views on Libya's Transition

- The international community should respect the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Libya, and develop relations with Libya on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.

- Under the leadership of the National Transitional Council, various parties in Libya should set in motion an inclusive political process, achieve reconciliation, take into full account the interests and desires of different groups, tribes and regions, and jointly build a peaceful and stable new Libya that enjoys growth and prosperity.

- The international community should actively reach out to Libya and support it in easing the humanitarian crisis and achieving economic and social reconstruction.

- China supports the leading role of the UN in Libya's post-conflict transition and reconstruction.

(Source: China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Chronology of the Libyan Civil War

On February 15, massive protests erupted in Libyan cities, demanding an end to the 42-year rule of Muammar Gaddafi.

On March 13, Gaddafi's forces advanced toward Benghazi, the last stronghold of the opposition, the Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC), after retaking several NTC-held cities

On June 27, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Gaddafi, charging him with crimes against humanity

On September 16, the NTC was granted Libya's seat at the UN and the UN Security Council voted to ease sanctions on Libya

On October 23, the NTC declared the "liberation" of Libya in Benghazi

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