West to Play Pivotal Role in Libya Rebuilding

September 17, 2011

Libyans gave a hero's welcome to British Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Nicolas Sarkozy. They are the first Western leaders to visit Tripoli since the fall of Moammar Gadhafi's government.

"In the end it was what the Libyans did themselves and I wanted to come and congratulate them and work out how we can help next," said Cameron.

Six months ago, Britain and France led the NATO no-fly zone to protect Libyan citizens. Ali Aujali, the Libyan ambassador to the U.S., says the West-backed intervention was vital.

"On 19th March, if France did not act to stop Gadhafi's troops, then Benghazi would have been the biggest cemetery in North Africa," said Aujali. "We had no choice but to ask for international help."

In August, opposition forces took over Tripoli and established their National Transitional Council (NTC) in the capital. Numerous countries now recognize the NTC as Libya's legitimate government. Hany Khallaf, an Egyptian envoy to Libya, says it is time for a shift away from Western military intervention.

"NATO should stop its attacks and military operations right away," said Khallaf. "Because the need for protecting civilians is not needed anymore."

As NATO's role winds down, the United Nations will step up. A U.N. Support Mission will focus on rebuilding Libya. Assets will be unfrozen for humanitarian aid and to allow some Libyan companies to resume business.