Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 November 2012
46. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the situation of the town of Bani Walid in Libya where the conditions for the civilian population are grave and where many believe there is a pending humanitarian disaster; if he will call for international pressure on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50198/12]
View answerThe recent violence which engulfed the city of Bani Walid and claimed up to thirty lives was gravely worrying. The fighting broke out when the authorities attempted to arrest militants alleged to have captured and tortured Omran Shaaban, the rebel fighter credited with Gaddafi’s capture. Given the large number of people killed -- many of them civilians -- during the fighting and the widespread damage to the city, it is very important that there be a thorough investigation by the Libyan authorities into the events that took place and that, where clear evidence of criminal activity or serious human rights offences is discovered, those responsible are held to account. A degree of stability has now been restored and the residents have begun to return to their homes. Basic services are returning to close to normal levels, and schools are beginning to re-open after the fighting. The UN has provided teams to help assess the humanitarian needs in Bani Walid and to assist the Libyan authorities in clearing munitions. The Libyan authorities have also pledged to provide financial support to residents to re-build their homes damaged during the fighting.
The violence in Bani Walid was indicative of the serious security challenges facing the Libyan Government. The new Libyan government led by Prime Minister Zidan, which took office last week, faces a momentous challenge in imposing its authority on the myriad of militias vying for power. Militants seized control of the parliament building only days after the new Cabinet was approved in protest at the inclusion of some Ministers with links to Gaddafi. The first priority for the new government should be to restore the rule of law and to improve the security situation.
I met with the then Libyan Foreign Minister during the UN General Assembly. He briefed me on the steps being taken to disarm the militias and to integrate the militias into a national army. There is no doubt that Libya faces a long and what will no doubt often prove a difficult road towards building democratic and legitimate state institutions. I believe, however, that it will overcome these challenges. Ireland, along with its EU partners, stands ready to provide assistance to the Libyan authorities in all relevant spheres, including security sector reform, capacity-building and public administration and the promotion of human rights. The EU is also continuing to consult with the Libyan authorities about the possibility of launching a civilian CSDP mission to help the Libyan authorities improve border security.
