TRIPOLI, Libya, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Libyan and U.N. officials Tuesday signed an agreement creating the legal framework for the United Nations' support mission in the country.
The U.N. mission has been working with Libya's transitional government to help in its post-revolutionary reconstruction efforts. The agreement lays out rights, responsibilities and procedures for both parties regarding the deployment, presence and safety of U.N. operations and personnel, the United Nations said in a release.
"Today, Libya will be listened to with respect at the United Nations, and Libyans will be recognized as people who have courageously asserted their dignity, and in doing so have risked -- or in too many cases, laid down -- their lives," said Ian Martin, special representative U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who heads the U.N. mission in the country and signed the agreement.
"Your interim government and a vibrant civil society are addressing the enormous challenge of making the principles of democracy and human rights into a reality, in a complex post-conflict environment.
"As I speak, United Nations electoral experts are sharing their experience in order to help Libyans to shape the first elections most Libyans will ever have experienced. Together with public security and transitional justice, this is one of the three priority areas for which you have requested United Nations support."
Ashur Khayyal, minister for foreign and international cooperation, signed on behalf of the new Libyan government put in place since longtime strongman Moammar Gadhafi was ousted by rebel forces and ultimately killed last year.
