While expressing its concern over the the escalation of protesters' demands to attempts to coerce the General National Congress to act on matters on its agenda, the United Nations has stressed the need for Libya's democratically elected bodies to be able to carry out their duties.
The General National Congress, was reportedly due to vote on a bill proposed in December banning officials from Mr. Muammar Gaddafi's regime and their associates from politics, but protesters gathered outside the national assembly when the vote was postponed and refused to let the lawmakers leave, before finally relenting hours later.
Reports also indicated that shots were fired against the car carrying the President of the General National Congress, Mohammed Magharief, who however, escaped unhurt.
The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) acknowledged that peaceful protest is a fundamental right, but cautioned that "it is of utmost importance at this critical juncture of Libya's democratic transition to ensure that the democratically elected bodies and legitimate institutions of the State are enabled to carry out their duties in the service of the people in a conducive environment and that the integrity of their decisions is preserved."
In a news release, the Mission further said that it "strongly encourages" Libya's political and community leaders as well as civil society activists and all Libyans, to ensure that the ongoing transition be based on the respect for the law, the democratic principles and peaceful political dialogue.
"The Libyan people have committed to democracy as an irreversible choice and all Libyans owe it to their country and their revolution to come together and ensure that the political process is not derailed," said the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNSMIL, Tarek Mitri.
While the General National Congress is working on a legal framework necessary for free, fair, and inclusive elections of the Constituent Assembly, Mr. Mitri has said that UNSMIL is ready to assist the Libyan authorities throughout the electoral process, at the Government's request.
The Mission is also assisting in promoting the rule of law and protecting human rights, restoring public security, countering illicit arms proliferation and coordinating international assistance.
