23 October 2011
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement on the declaration of liberation by Libya’s National Transitional Council (NTC):
“Today, Canadians join with the Libyan people in celebrating the liberation of their country.
“The Libyan people have courageously risen up against decades of tyranny. Canada’s involvement, as sanctioned by the United Nations and led by NATO, has supported their aspirations for the future.
“We join Libyans in welcoming the post-Gaddafi era and the transition of the country to a democratic society – one that respects human rights and the rule of law.
“We again commend the work of members of the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force and the leadership of Canadian Lt. Gen. Charles Bouchard. Their efforts have led to the success of NATO’s mission in Libya. NATO has taken a preliminary decision to conclude the mission at the end of October.
“Canada will continue to work with transitional leaders as the new Libya takes shape.”
