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By Umar Khan,
Tripoli, 4 July 2013:
US Ambassador Deborah Jones met the new head of the General National Congress (GNC) Nuri Abu . . .[restrict]Sahmain yesterday morning. It was her first meeting with the newly-appointed GNC president. She congratulated him on his appointment and assured him of the continuing support of the United States as a friendly country.
Ambassador Jones said that the relations between the two countries were moving slowly but in the right direction. She also said that that the US would help only as requested by the Libyan government and would not dictate anything nor interfere in the country’s internal affairs.
Jones also said that the US understands the level of challenges Libyan people in their journey towards a civil and democratic state, such as the drafting of a constitution and the development of civil society. She referred to South Africa and its Truth and Reconciliation Commission as a good example of achieving national rapprochement. She also mentioned the American Civil War and the subsequent problems experienced with the restoration of the Union. She emphasised that the US understands the problems faced after a revolution.
Abu Sahmain thanked the ambassador for positive role the US played from the beginning in the Libyan revolution. He also expressed sadness over the killing of the former Ambassador Christopher Stevens. Abu Sahmain also said that under his leadership, the GNC would focus on the constitution and bringing all parties together. He also said that the he would encourage national dialogue with the participation of civil society to work for reconciliation. [/restrict]
