The challenges Libya is facing in the implementation of the democratic process following the 17 February revolution of 2011, were highlighted by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Libya, H.E. Mohamed Emhemed Abdul-Aziz, in his keynote address at the VII Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM), held in Malta on 12-13 October, 2012.
Deputy Minister Aziz, specifically called on PAM to coordinate a number of initiatives which would help Libya in building a state on the principles of the rule of law and viable governance. The Libyan Minister requested the intervention of PAM on aspects such as the empowerment of the General National Congress to bear its responsibility of oversight on security and defence; the oversight of the Government’s performance; the organization of study tours for selected members of the Congress to PAM member parliaments; the encouragement of PAM parliamentarians to interact with their counterparts of the Libya Congress and the organization of joint workshops and seminars to exchange experiences and lessons learned in connection with the role of parliament.
In his intervention the Libyan Deputy Minister mentioned examples of the challenges in various sectors, namely political, security-related, the drafting of the constitution, the rule of law, transitional justice and the empowerment of the civil society organizations, as well as job creation.
H.E. Aziz underlined the significance of establishing , among other institutions, a legal framework that can generate an inclusive, sustainable and equitable development, economic growth, investment opportunities, and employment, which can only be facilitated through partnerships and concrete assistance.
“PAM is promoting trust and confidence among the countries of the Mediterranean and the Assembly must be commended for its role in unifying the efforts of those countries working for peace and security in the region”, Deputy Minister Aziz concluded.