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By Taher Zaroog.
Misrata, 9 November 2013:
A two-day national forum of local and shura (elders) councils, drawing representatives from all over the . . .[restrict]country, closed on Thursday in Misrata.
Meeting under the slogan “Libya is one state”, it was was attended by Congress President Nuri Abu Sahmain and a number of Congress members. Political parties were not invited.
The head of Misrata Shura Council, Sulaiman Faqih, stressed that those attending the forum supported Congress as the country’s top legitimate body but it had to ensure a constitution was quickly drawn up and to create provincial councils and municipalities.. It also had to stand up for Libya’s unity as well as stand firm against discrimination.
In a final statement on Thursday, the forum said there could be no compromise on Libya’s territorial unity. The country was one unit comprised of different ethnic groups, with one capital, Tripoli, one flag and one anthem.
In addition, it said, political legitimacy derived from democratic systems which only could be altered when approved by the Libyan people.
In a reference to oil and gas blockades by Cyrenaica federalists and Amazigh political activists, the participants expressed their rejection of any attempt to control the country’s resources for political, regional or tribal purposes.
They condemned the politically-motivated killings and threats that have been taking place, as well as the lack of security which has prevented Libyan citizens enjoying their property and their rights.
The GNC and the government had to take measures to stop these abuses, to pursue those involved and make public those who were behind them. Security and safety had to be implemented.
The statement ended by claiming that some media outlets were trying to sew discord by promoting regional separatism trying to undermine the GNC’s legitimate authority. [/restrict]
