Post date: Feb 22, 2011 8:39:36 PM
Secretary General Amr Moussa says Libya is suspended from future Arab League meeting.
CAIRO, EGYPT (FEBRUARY 22, 2011) REUTERS - Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa said on Tuesday (February 22) that Libya was suspended from future meetings of the organisation until the demands set forth by the Libyan people were met.
The decision was taken during an emergency meeting convened in Cairo to discuss the Libyan revolt against Muammar Gaddafi, Moussa said.During the meeting the delegates observed a moment of silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the unrest.
Reading out the statement, Secretary General Moussa called on the Libyan authorities to launch a national dialogue and respond to their people's demands.
"We call for an immediate end to all forms of violence. We urge the initiation of national dialogue to respond to the demands of the Libyan people while respecting their rights of protesting and expressing their opinions in a peaceful manner. This is in order to spare lives, secure unification of Libyan territories and peace between its citizens; which will guarantee the safety and security of the Libyan people," Moussa told a news conference after the meeting.
He further announced the decision voted on by the council, in which the Libyan delegation was absent, to suspend, until further notice, any participation of Libyan delegations in Arab League-related events.
"Number 8 - Suspending the participation of any Libyan delegations in Arab League meetings as well as any organisations or bodies affiliated with it until the Libyan authorities respond to the demands that have been set," he added.
Re-opening communication ports and lifting the ban imposed on journalists were merely some of the many demands set forth in the statement.
Hundreds have already lost their lives while the international community urges the Libyan government to put and end to the bloodshed.