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By Hadi Fornaji.
Tripoli, 28 March 2013:
Prime minister Ali Zeidan has used a busy two-day visit to the UAE to seek further . . .[restrict]support to build and develop Libya’s security forces.
Travelling with foreign minister Mohamed Abdelaziz, Zeidan first met Dubai’s ruler and Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He then moved on for a meeting with Abu Dhabi’s crown prince, General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
The Crown Prince was reported by local new agency Wam as hoping that the transitional period now taking place in Libya would meet the aspirations of the people for more stability and security, so as to continue progress and development.
The Prince stressed that the UAE had an open door for Libya and would exchange expertise and establish partnerships, so that the country could benefit from the UAE’s own experience of development.
Zeidan told his host that Libya was hugely appreciative of the support from the UAE since the start of the revolution. “The UAE has provided us with military, security and humanitarian assistance when we needed it and we have come to sustain and develop it, to create more positive results.” He said that as Libya matured, it needed help to build up law enforcement.
Abdelaziz reiterated the points, saying that this help was crucial
“We do not need financial support, as we have revenues from the 1.6 million barrels a day we produce,” he told reporters. “What we are looking for from the UAE is their experience and lessons learnt in the security field, to help us train the militias that have been absorbed.”
He was reported as saying Libya has absorbed more than 70 percent of its fighters into the country’s armed forces and police, and helped some continue their education. Now it hoped to turn the security services into professionals, with the UAE police forces as models.
“I am very impressed with the level of expertise and development of Dubai Police as well as Abu Dhabi Police,” he was quoted as saying, “We want the ministries of interior and defence to help us develop our security and train our men.”
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