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Tripoli, 14 July:
The US Deputy Secretary of State, William Burns, has spoken of the Libyan people’s “uncommon courage” in ousting longtime . . .[restrict]dictator Muammar Qaddafi “in pursuit of the dignity and freedom they so richly deserve”.
Speaking during a visit to Tripoli today, Burns described last Saturday’s elections as “a critical milestone and the first step towards building lasting democratic institutions”, whilst warning of “daunting challenges” including the integration or disbandment of militias, border insecurity, and the existence of groups seeking to undermine Libya’s democratic transition.
He described the US as “proud partners” of the Libyan people during the revolution, and said Libya could “count on continued American support in the months and years ahead”.
Burns confirmed that had held talks with Prime Minister Abdurrahim Al-Kib in which US collaboration on border security management and militia reintegration had been discussed.
He said the United States was looking to cooperate with the Libyan military, but refused to confirm whether plans existed to sign new defence contracts. “I have nothing specific to offer today in terms of particular contracts”, he said.
Last month, it was reported that Libya was seeking to procure a large quantity of defence equipment from the US, including C-130 cargo planes and Chinook Helicopters. The government was also said to be considering the purchase of Rafale and M1-Mirage fighter aircraft from France as well as Eurofighter Typhoons from the United Kingdom.
All three countries have refused to publicly confirm or deny whether they have been approached about such contracts or not.
Burns did say, however, that the US was supporting Libya to treat war-wounded, specifically through the provision of rehabilitation services.
He also said that a US-Libya higher education task-force had been created in the spring, adding that English-language training and civil society development were high priorities.
The deputy secretary of state said that American assistance was not merely altruistic but that it was “deeply in the interest of both Libya and the US to address threats to Libya’s security” and to support the emergence of a “stable and prosperous Libya”.
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