LOC10:20
07:20 GMT
BRUSSELS, July 18 (KUNA) -- NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen
Wednesday congratulated the Libyan people on the announcement of the results
of the first election held across the country in almost half a century.
"This election marks an impressive step forward in Libya's transition to
democracy, after over forty years of dictatorship. I pay tribute to all the
candidates and political parties who have contributed to the success of this
first free and democratic vote, and to the almost 2 million men and women who
exercised their hard-won right to vote," he said in statement.
He noted that NATO is proud of the role that it played, together with its
partners, in protecting the Libyan people under the mandate of the United
Nations Security Council.
"We look forward to working with Libya's new leaders, including the elected
National Congress. NATO stands ready to assist, if requested, in building the
modern security and defence institutions that the new Libya needs," added
Rasmussen. (end)
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KUNA 181020 Jul 12NNNN