Rumors fuel search for Gadhafi
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- "All agreed on the importance of a smooth transition," Ban says
- Lines of rusting jets are found at Gadhafi's private airport
- There's fierce fighting around Sirte, Gadhafi's hometown
- African Union council fails to recognize National Transitional Council
Tripoli, Libya (CNN) -- As fighting continued Friday in much of Libya, regional organizations underscored the need to plan carefully and move quickly to speed the transition from crisis to democracy.
In New York, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he had talked with heads of the organizations, which included the League of Arab States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the African Union and the European Union.
"All agreed that the crisis in Libya has entered a new and decisive phase," he said. "All agreed, as well, on the importance of a smooth transition."
That transition must be based on inclusiveness, reconciliation and national unity, he said.
"Fighting goes on in many parts of the country," Ban said. "There is an urgent need to put an end to the conflict and restore order and stability. All agreed that, if the Libyan authorities request, we should be prepared to help develop police capacity, bearing in mind that the country is awash with small arms."
The effect of the fighting has been profound, he said. "There are widespread shortages of fuel, food and medical supplies. Reports on the ground suggest that the water supply to the capital and surrounding region may be in danger, putting several million people or more at risk."
Friday's meeting participants agreed that the international community "must come together with an effective, well-coordinated program of action," Ban said.
Over the longer term, they emphasized early support for elections, transitional justice and policing, and help in social-economic recovery, rule of law and institution-building, Ban added.
He called Thursday's action by the Security Council in unfreezing $1.5 billion in Libyan assets "a welcome step" but said Friday's participants agreed that more must be done to ensure a stable transition of power.
Despite the continuing fighting, Moammar Gadhafi's grip on power has slipped, said Principal Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest, on Martha's Vineyard with the vacationing President Barack Obama.
"It is evident that there is momentum on the side of the rebels as they continue to make advances and as they continue in their efforts to set up a new government in Libya," he said.
Asked about the whereabouts of Libyan leader Gadhafi, he said, "Right now, as I've been saying the past few days, right now there is no evidence to indicate that Gadhafi has left Libya."
Earnest called on Gadhafi "to relinquish power once and for all," turn himself in and be held accountable.
No comments:
Post a Comment