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In these difficult
times, in which the suffering of the Libyan people has reached
unprecedented levels under the dictatorial regime of Mu’amar Ghaddafi and
his tyrannical, repressive practices and policies.
And in the face of this regime’s desire to hold on to power at any cost,
including placing Libya, its future and resources under the burden of huge
debt, and subjecting its independence, sovereignty, and unity to even more
risks and dangers.
And in the current tense international circumstances, and deteriorating
regional situation, which dangerously threatens not only our land, but
also the entire region.
And realizing the historical responsibility shouldered and assumed by
Libyan opposition forces in this critical situation regarding Libya, its
people, and the future of its generations.
And in response to the calls by many Libyan opposition groups, urging and
highlighting the need to consolidate the appropriate resources in a way
that would best serve the Libyan issue, and hasten the end of suffering of
the Libyan people, and help materialize their dreams and aspirations.
Therefore, and for all these reasons, the opposition groups signing this
document hereby declare:
First: Their belief in the following
fundamentals and principles:
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Colonel Mu’amar
Ghaddafi, and his corrupt regime, was, and continues to be primarily and
directly responsible for all the evils, disasters, and tragedies that have
plagued our country. He is also responsible for the current state of
complete chaos, collapse and deterioration suffered by our country and
people at all levels.
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The continuation
of the Ghaddafi regime represents the prolonging of the disastrous tragedy
faced by our country. There is neither hope, nor ability to rescue Libya
from its tragic reality, and to enable it to achieve the dreams and
aspirations of its people, while Colonel Mu’amar Ghaddafi continues to be
the head of the state.
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There is no hope
for any reform in Libya, except by ridding the country of the existing
regime and establishing a constitutional, democratic system, inspired by
the Libyan people’s faith, culture, history, and values This system must
derive its legitimacy from a constitution and from a popular mandate,
through a process of free elections, which would enable the new government
to meet the requirements of a national reconciliation period, the
rebuilding of the country, and further enable it to achieve the goals,
hopes and aspirations of our people.
Second: Their affirmation that the
struggle against the Ghaddafi regime is the responsibility of the Libyan
people alone, entrusted onto them and no others. It is the struggle
manifested by the state of total popular rejection of the regime and its
policies and practices. It has also been manifested in the many continuous
attempts to change the regime, carried out by popular civil and military
forces during the past three decades. These attempts represent a chain of
linked events of dynamic resistance reflecting the real emotions of the
Libyan people, one of resentment and rejection of the ruling regime.
Third: Their commitment to continue
the struggle, make all necessary efforts and sacrifices, work diligently,
cooperate and coordinate to achieve the goals and objectives of the Libyan
struggle, which are represented in:
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Ending the
existing regime, and refusing to accept Ghaddafi as head of state under
any scheme, description or terminology; and forcing Ghaddafi to
relinquish, unconditionally, all powers and authorities be it
revolutionary, political, or military.
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Forming a
transitional authority consisting of Libyan personalities, known for their
competency and credibility, to govern the affairs of the country during a
period of transition not to exceed one year from the end of the Ghaddafi
regime. The primary duty of such authority is to return the country, by
the end of one year, to its constitutional legitimacy.
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Underscoring the
importance that the constitution be a product of the Libyan nation,
inspired by its faith, values, culture, history, and aspirations;
reflecting its free well; serving its interests and objectives;
guaranteeing a stable, progressive socio-political life. It should be
drafted by a founding committee elected by the Libyan people and ratified
in a general referendum.
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All undersigned
organizations committing to call for and work towards ensuring that the
constitution lay the foundation for a democratic system, establish a
nation of institutions, and guarantee the freedom to form political
parties, cultural, trade, and labor organizations, and establish a civil
society. The constitution would also emphasize the principles of peaceful
transition of power, people’s right to choose their leaders through secret
ballots, to hold them accountable and to remove them if necessary. It
would emphasize, secure and protect all basic freedoms and rights of the
citizens of Libyan, including political, economic, social, and cultural
rights for men and women of all backgrounds, status, and affiliation.
Fourth: The undersigned organizations
call upon all the Libyan people, civil and military organizations, inside
the country and abroad, particularly other opposition groups and
independent Libyan personalities, to join this document and to rally
around the principles, fundamentals, and objectives it advocates, to
achieve Libyan national unity, and to broaden the realm of possibilities
for collaborative work to reach the objectives and aspirations of the
Libyan people. To that end, this document shall remain open, welcoming
other opposition groups and individuals who may wish to join in and sign
on.
Fifth: The undersigned organizations
have started consultations to form a cross-sectional committee to follow
up and to establish the basis, the detailed programs, and the necessary
executive framework, including the call to convene a general conference
for all members signatory to this document.
Signed by:
The Libyan National Alliance
The Libyan Movement For Change And Reform
The Republican Assembly For Democracy And Social Justice
The Libyan Tmazight Congress
The National Front For The Salvation
Of Libya
Signed on:
8 Rabi’a Awal 1424
9 May, 2003
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