A small American flag is seen in the rubble at the United States consulate, one day after armed men stormed the compound and killed the U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three others in Benghazi, Libya on September 12, 2012. The gunman were protesting a little known film by an American amateur filmmaker that angered Muslims as it was deemed insulting to the Prophet Mohammad. UPI/Tariq AL-hun |
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LONDON, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- The French, British, Italian and U.S. governments said Friday they were concerned by instability in Libya but stood by its elected officials.
"Concerned at the instability in Libya and the threat that poses to the successful achievement of the democratic transition, the governments of France, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States reiterate their support to the people of Libya as they work for the consolidation of democracy," a joint statement read.
Libya is struggling to recover after civil war in 2011. NATO forces intervened to help protect civilians from forces loyal to Moammar Gadhafi, Libya's dictator who died after falling into rebel hands in the waning months of the 2011 conflict.
Libya's prime minister was kidnapped briefly last month. Various tribes in the country are competing for control against the central government.
"We reiterate our support to the elected political institutions and call on Libyans to reject any use of force against them," the joint statement said. "We call on all Libyans to set aside their individual differences, work together in the national interest and help strengthen the democratic institutions with a view to fully realizing the aspirations of the revolution, thus paying tribute to its martyrs and their sacrifice."
