Libya to Restrict Use of Weapons

Head of Libya’s Tripoli Military Council, Abdelhakim Belhadj, urged residents on Monday to restore stability by putting an end to the presence of unlicensed weapons, saying they had caused concern for the capital's stability and security. He also added that the distribution of arms should be limited to law enforcement authorities like the military and police.

Belhadj said, "This press conference comes as part of a series of meetings for non-government organizations in Tripoli to demand the end of the phenomena of uncontrolled arms, which can be clearly observed on the streets of Tripoli.

"We urge all those who care about the security of Tripoli and its stability to cooperate with us in order to bring back the stability through the termination and cancellation of all heavy weapons present and to prevent distribution, which should be limited to the authorized bodies.

He also called for the full restoration of education and health services, saying it was important that schools and hospitals resume normal operations.

Belhadj, who spent time with the Taliban in Afghanistan, fled to Iran after the U.S.-led invasion in 2001. He later went to southeast Asia where he is believed to have been arrested.

Speaker:
Abdelhakim Belhadj, Head of Libya’s Tripoli Military Council

Voice: James Brock