The National Conference of the Libyan Opposition - Final Statement

In an environment rich in democracy, characterized by high presence of new and young participants from all parts of our beloved country, dynamic and constructive discussions and debates in a unique democratic experience, the National Conference of the Libyan Opposition (NCLO) convened its second general meeting in English capital, London, on 29 - 30 March 2008 under the theme: “Towards a free country that feeds, heals, and educate.”

The Conference emphasized its commitment to the principles articulated in the first conference held in the summer of 2005, which gave hope to the people of Libya and pushed the Qaddafi regime into a defensive posture. Those principles have made constitutional legitimacy, rule of law, the fight against corruption, and the call for political, economic, and social rights for the Libyan people central issues that can not be ignored, and exposed the confused nature of the Qaddafi regime in the way it reacts to these issues.

This significant development in the history of the Libyan Opposition has contributed in a direct and real way to the dynamic political landscape inside Libya, and raised, for the first time in decades, the ceiling of the political aspirations of the Libyan people. Such political activism is clearly poised for further development and continuity, which may lead to reclaiming for the Libyan people many of the rights confiscated by the Qaddafi regime.

The Libyan Opposition’s ability to preserve and protect the independence and integrity of the national political decision and to navigate the regional and international political landscape, enabled it to work with the institutions of civil society as a strong advocate for those who cherish their country and have challenged the dictatorship of the Qaddafi regime, and whose fight for freedom of expression and political expression have been championed and supported by the civil society institutions everywhere.

The NCLO, in its second meeting, was able to integrate new generations of Libyans eager to continue the struggle for a free, democratic and constitutional Libya. This would not have been possible without fundamental changes in the organizational structure of the NCLO, which allows for the infusion of new energy and blood in a democratic fashion based on direct and free choice and balancing a deeply rooted respect for the role represented by the Libyan Opposition Political organizations. This political duality will undoubtedly lead to a significantly marked improvement in the Libyan opposition programs and mechanisms.

The NCLO has established, without any doubt, that it is the natural and legitimate voice representing the aspirations of the Libyan people for freedom and advancement. The Conference also calls upon all the Libyan people to escalate their struggle against Qaddafi’s tyrant regime and to raise the ceiling of their demands of decent living, education, health care, and all other rights abused by the regime, as a first step towards more strategic, legitimate demands.

The NCLO pledges to the Libyan people throughout our beloved country that it will continue to affirm the national principles established in the first conference, and that it will pursue all means and avenues available to it leading to the liberty of our country and bringing to an end the dictatorial tyranny that has plagued our people for far too long.

The National Conference of the Libyan Opposition

London, England
30 March 2008