Libyans Celebrate Revolution Anniversary

Libyans release lanterns into the air during the second anniversary of the uprising that toppled longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in Benghazi, Libya, Sunday, Feb, 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Mohammad Hannon)

(14) The Tripoli Post Newspaper

The Tripoli Post - Libya News and Business

Those who expected or wished that Libya faces a violent day as it commemorates the second anniversary of the February 17 uprising must have been disappointed as none of what they had hoped for or feared has materialised on February 15.

Instead Libyans peacefully and quietly celebrated in all cities by raising millions of the national red, black and green coloured flags and chanted loving songs for Libya and its bright future.

Even those airlines that halted their flights to Libyan international airports must be now feeling embarrassed for doing so which in many ways raised unnecessary tension in the country as much as the British Foreign Office's infamous “specific and imminent threat” statement did in early January.

Such statement was completely contracted when a few days later the British Prime Minister visited downtown Tripoli to chat with old Libyan women who were walking around at the moment.

By Friday midnight, the Libyan government sent a SMS to Libyans praising them for being civilised, peaceful and not resorting to unlawful practices as they democratically and freely expressed their political demands and aired their views.

The government’s SMS said: “to the Libyan people we dedicate the deepest meaning of thanks and gratitude for their support and responsiveness to national security requirements. On our part we promise to continue our job to rebuild Libya.”

Libyan official must have been rather tense as they waited to see how the Libyan masses would act on the day that was marked for starting a new revolution against the current government. But the day ended without any violent incidents throughout the country.

The message indicates deep appreciation on the part of the government and also the people in general for a day of peace, celebrations and tranquility in Libya when many thought it would not happen.

On Friday, rallies were held in Tripoli, Benghazi, Zawia, Misurata, Sebha, Zintan, Darna, Biyda, Tubruq and all cities in the country in commemoration of the second anniversary of the uprising that brought freedom and democracy to the country by ending the oppressive regime of Muammar Gaddafi.

Taking advantage of freedom of expression and free speech, speakers at the rallies in Benghazi and Tripoli demanded the government to uphold the rule of law, get rid of corrupt elements, and speed up the writing of the constitution, justice and the rebuilding of the army and police force.

The speakers in Benghazi also demanded that the current president of the National Congress Mohamed Magharief be removed as well as the Chief of the Staff of the Libyan army General Yousef al-Mangoush who has been accused of hindering the rebuilding of the army.

It has now become clear that the government security plan that was introduced more than four weeks ago is now working well and can indeed bring peace and stability to the country.

This success of Libyan authorities in protecting peace also underlines the exaggeration by foreign media of the security situation in the country.