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PM urges "new beginning" for Libya

Prime Minister David Cameron has urged the international community to deliver a "new beginning" for the Libyan people.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Opening the Conference in London, Mr Cameron said delegates were united in their purpose to help the “Libyan people in their hour of need”.

More than 40 Foreign Ministers and representatives from key regional organisations attended the Conference  and agreed to reaffirmed their commitment to full and swift implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions on Libya and to continuing military action to enforce them.

The PM said:

We are all here united in one purpose and that is to help the Libyan people in their hour of need.

Today I believe should be about a new beginning for Libya - a future in which the people of Libya can determine their own destiny, free from violence and oppression.

But the reason for being here today is that the Libyan people cannot reach that future on their own.

Mr Cameron said there were three goals of the London Conference: reaffirming commitment to UN Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973; ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid where it is needed; and helping the Libyan people plan for their future after the conflict is over.

The PM said the international coalition would continue the action needed to implement United Nations Security Council resolutions “as long as is necessary” to protect the population from attacks by Qadhafi’s forces.

He also called for the creation of a “contact group” to provide sustained political support for the country as it undergoes change.

Speaking at the end of the day, Foreign Secretary William Hague hailed the conference as “a significant milestone” in allowing the Libyan people to determine their own future.

Speeches and transcripts: PM’s speech at the London Conference on Libya

Read more: Chairman’s statement on the London Conference on Libya

Published 29 March 2011