Libya opposition sets out post-Gaddafi vision

Representatives of the Libyan opposition today set out their vision for a democratic country after dictator Muammar Gaddafi has been removed from power.

A delegation from the transitional Interim National Council (INC) was in London for today's international conference, led by special envoy Mahmoud Jabril, who met British Prime Minister David Cameron for talks in 10 Downing Street.

In a statement entitled "A Vision of a Democratic Libya", the INC said it was committed - following the defeat of the "illegal" Gaddafi regime - to a "civil society that recognises intellectual and political pluralism and allows for the peaceful transition of power through legal institutions and ballot boxes; in accordance with a national constitution crafted by the people and endorsed in a referendum".

Every adult citizen would have the right to vote in "free and fair parliamentary and presidential elections as well as the right to run for office", it said.

It said the state would "respect the sanctity of religious doctrine and condemn intolerance, extremism and violence" and "denounce violence, terrorism, intolerance and cultural isolation".

Unveiling the opposition document at a press conference in London, the INC's UK coordinator Guma El-Gamaty said: "The Libyan people have been suffering for 42 years under sheer tyranny and repression and dictatorship.

"The real aspirations of the Libyan people are to be free, to live under a constitutional democratic system, where there is rule of law, all essential freedoms are guaranteed and people can fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.

"That is the hope. That is the vision."

Mr El-Gamaty said the INC aimed to "facilitate that process through a transition period until we reach a permanent state where there is a constitution crafted by the Libyan people".

The constitution will produce a framework for a new democratic civil government in Libya, he said.

"We have had enough of tyranny. We have lost a golden chance over the last 42 years to develop our country and utilise the huge resources Libya had to have proper development, proper prosperity and real freedoms," said Mr El-Gamaty.

"Now, once hopefully Gaddafi is out, this chance will be possible again and the Libyan people are determined to achieve it."