Ah, I See! That’s How We Roll Now: The Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC)

The National Transitional Council (NTC) was established on the 5th of March 2011 in Benghazi, born out of the aspirations of the February 17th revolutionary movement which set up the local councils that took the decision to create the national council. The NTC is committed to achieving the February 17th revolution’s dream of freedom and independence for the Libyan people; to free all of Libya, from Aamsaad in the east to Raas Ajdair in the west, from Sirte in the north to Gatrun in the south, united as one under the banner of peace, justice and prosperity.

The NTC will only be working in its current capacity for an interim period, until such time as violence stops and Gaddafi and his political repressive regime are removed, and power can be handed over to a freely elected government governed by a genuinely democratic Constitution that will establish the capital in Tripoli. In order to maintain their objectivity, all NTC members have pledged not to take part in the future elections.

The NTC is therefore strongly committed to guiding the country towards democracy, through the organization of free elections and the establishment of a Constitution that will constitute/create a government based on the rule of law, respect for human rights, social justice for all without discrimination, full political and economic participation and women empowerment."

A vision of a democratic Libya

The interim national council hereby presents its vision for rebuilding the democratic state of Libya. This vision responds to the needs and aspirations of our people, while incorporating the historical changes brought about by the 17 February revolution.

We have learnt from the struggles of our past during the dark days of dictatorship that there is no alternative to building a free and democratic society and ensuring the supremacy of international humanitarian law and human rights declarations. This can only be achieved through dialogue, tolerance, co-operation, national cohesiveness and the active participation of all citizens. As we are familiar with being ruled by the authoritarian dictatorship of one man, the political authority that we seek must represent the free will of the people, without exclusion or suppression of any voice.

The lessons of our past will outline our social contract through the need to respect the interests of all groups and classes that comprise the fabric of our society and not compromise the interests of one at the expense of the other. It is this social contract that must lead us to a civil society that recognises intellectual and political pluralism and allows for the peaceful transfer of power through legal institutions and ballot boxes; in accordance with a national constitution crafted by the people and endorsed in a referendum.

To that end, we will outline our aspirations for a modern, free and united state, following the defeat of the illegal Gaddafi regime. The interim national council will be guided by the following in our continuing march to freedom, through espousing the principles of political democracy. We recognise without reservation our obligation to:

1. Draft a national constitution that clearly defines its nature, essence and purpose and establishes legal, political, civil, legislative, executive and judicial institutions. The constitution will also clarify the rights and obligations of citizens in a transparent manner, thus separating and balancing the three branches of legislative, executive and judicial powers.

2. Form political organisations and civil institutions including the formation of political parties, popular organisations, unions, societies and other civil and peaceful associations.

3. Maintain a constitutional civil and free state by upholding intellectual and political pluralism and the peaceful transfer of power, opening the way for genuine political participation, without discrimination.

4. Guarantee every Libyan citizen, of statutory age, the right to vote in free and fair parliamentary and presidential elections, as well as the right to run for office.

5. Guarantee and respect the freedom of expression through media, peaceful protests, demonstrations and sit-ins and other means of communication, in accordance with the constitution and its laws in a way that protects public security and social peace.

6. A state that draws strength from our strong religious beliefs in peace, truth, justice and equality.

7. Political democracy and the values of social justice, which include:

a. The nation’s economy to be used for the benefit of the Libyan people by creating effective economic institutions in order to eradicate poverty and unemployment – working towards a healthy society, a green environment and a prosperous economy.

b. The development of genuine economic partnerships between a strong and productive public sector, a free private sector and a supportive and effective civil society, which overstands corruption and waste.

c. Support the use of science and technology for the betterment of society, through investments in education, research and development, thus enabling the encouragement of an innovative culture and enhancing the spirit of creativity. Focus on emphasising individual rights in a way that guarantees social freedoms that were denied to the Libyan people during the rule of dictatorship. In addition to building efficient public and private institutions and funds for social care, integration and solidarity, the state will guarantee the rights and empowerment of women in all legal, political, economic and cultural spheres.

d. A constitutional civil state which respects the sanctity of religious doctrine and condemns intolerance, extremism and violence that are manufactured by certain political, social or economic interests. The state to which we aspire will denounce violence, terrorism, intolerance and cultural isolation; while respecting human rights, rules and principles of citizenship and the rights of minorities and those most vulnerable. Every individual will enjoy the full rights of citizenship, regardless of colour, gender, ethnicity or social status.

8. Build a democratic Libya whose international and regional relationships will be based upon:

a. The embodiment of democratic values and institutions which respects its neighbours, builds partnerships and recognises the independence and sovereignty of other nations. The state will also seek to enhance regional integration and international co-operation through its participation with members of the international community in achieving international peace and security.

b. A state which will uphold the values of international justice, citizenship, the respect of international humanitarian law and human rights declarations, as well as condemning authoritarian and despotic regimes. The interests and rights of foreign nationals and companies will be protected. Immigration, residency and citizenship will be managed by government institutions, respecting the principles and rights of political asylum and public liberties.

c. A state which will join the international community in rejecting and denouncing racism, discrimination and terrorism while strongly supporting peace, democracy and freedom.

International Recognition

The Council notes that it is the only legitimate body representing the people of Libya and the Libyan state and calls on all the countries of the world to recognize it and deal with it on the basis of international legitimacy. The Council also notes that it will honour and respect all international and regional agreements signed by the former Libyan government, emphasizing its aspirations in seeing Libya play a significant role in the establishing international peace and security.

The Council also stresses that the heads of envoys and Libya’s representatives in the UN, the Arab League and all international and regional organizations, and our embassies and diplomatic missions who have joined this revolution are the legitimate representatives of this Council in these places. We also request from those who have yet to transfer their affiliation with this Council to do so.

The following countries have already recognized the NTC


FRANCE
On the 1th of March 2011, France became the first country to officially recognize the NTC as the "legitimate representative of the Libyan people".
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QATAR
On the 28th of March 2011, Qatar recognised the NTC as Libya's "sole legitimate representative". Qatar's recognition of the Council received oral support from the Gulf Cooperation Council.
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MALDIVES
On the 3rd of April 2011, the Maldives officially recognised the NTC as the "sole legitimate representative body of the Libyan people".
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ITALY
On the 4th of April 2011, Italy decided to recognise the Council as its "only legitimate interlocutor" in Libya.
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GAMBIA
On the 22nd of April 2011, Gambia becomes the first African state to recognise the NTC as the only legitimate body representing Libyan interests.
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UK
On the 12th of May 2011, UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said in a written statement to Parliament that the UK government recognised the NTC as the "legitimate interlocutor in Libya representing the aspirations of the Libyan people".
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SENEGAL
On the 20th of May 2011, Senegal’s President Abdoulaye Wade formally recognised the NTC as the "legitimate constitutive political opposition in Libya" and "legitimate interlocutor" of the Libyan people.
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JORDAN
On the 24th of May, Jordan’s Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh said he told the head of NTC’s executive committee Mahmoud Jibril in a telephone call that Jordan considers NTC as the “legitimate representative and the credible interlocutor for the Libyan people".
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MALTA
On the 1st of June 2011, Malta recognised the NTC as the "only legitimate point of dialogue" between Malta and Libya.
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SPAIN
On the 8th of June 2011, Spain recognised the NTC as "the Libyan people's sole and legitimate representative".
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AUSTRALIA
On the 9th of June 2011, Australia recognised the NTC as the "legitimate interlocutor" of the Libyan people. Australia Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said "We recognise the Libyan Transitional National Council as the legitimate interlocutor of the Libyan people," using the same formulation as Britain and other countries.
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UAE
On the 12th of June 2011, the United Arab Emirates recognised the NTC as the "sole legitimate representative of the Libyan people". This decision was announced by Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahayan, who said the UAE would soon open a provisional office in Benghazi.
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GERMANY
On the 12th of June 2011, Germany recognised Libya's NTC as "the legitimate representatives of the Libyan people", becoming the 13th country to do so after after Australia, Britain, France, Gambia, Italy, Jordan, the Maldives, Malta, Qatar, Senegal, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates.
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CANADA
On the 14th of June 2011, Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird said that Canada officially recognised the NTC as the "legitimate representative" of the people of Libya.



Take my money, fix a meal
Let’s see what the vegetable will reveal
At the same time I’ll ask your god to kneel
And pray for a bit more sex appeal

Ah, I see!
That’s how we roll now.

Do you wanna save, or spend some time
As long as you fuckers don’t use up mine
Because I know who you are, weekend rebels
Just take my hand and hope for trouble

Ah, I see!
That’s how we roll now.

“The future’s now”, as Rocco said
While big bloody buckles are digging through the fat
I said, “listen up Hank, we gots to go”
Because oh my god, I’m so alone

Ah, I see!
That’s how we roll now