Gaddafi Should ‘Ve Been Spared –Zuma

President Jacob Zuma of South Africa, says the slain former Libyan leader, Col. Muammar Gaddafi should have been captured alive to face prosecution.

Zuma told newsmen last Friday in Pretoria at the reception for the visiting President Obiang Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea that Gaddafi had been on the warrant list of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

He said,”given that there was a warrant of arrest against Gaddafi, those who found him should have arrested him and handed him to ICJ.

“There is a trend across the world where former leaders accused of injustice are not given an opportunity to stand trial in a court of justice.

“That is surprising. I think even those who accused him would have wanted to see him become answerable.”

He expressed the hope that the death of Gaddafi would lead to a cessation of hostilities and the restoration of peace in Libya.

He urged the Libyan National Transitional Council to begin in earnest, the process of building national unity and reconciliation, disarmament of all combatants and their reintegration into society.

In his remark, Mbasogo who is also the Chairperson of African Union (AU), said Africa was concerned with further political developments in Libya.

“The AU was looking forward to a situation where it would play a major role in helping to create a government that will be totally inclusive.

“It is believed that the lasting solution is possible through an all-inclusive political process that will culminate in the holding of the first ever democratic elections,’’ Mbasogo said.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu in his comment, said, “the manner of the killing of Muammar Gaddafi last Thursday totally detracts from the noble enterprise of instilling a culture of human rights and democracy in Libya.

“The people of Libya should have demonstrated better values than those of their erstwhile oppressors’’.

Mr Jackson Mthembu, the Africa National Congress spokesperson, said Libyans needed help in rebuilding their country after the devastation caused during the conflict.

“We are as convinced now as we were then that a peaceful approach would have saved many lives in Libya,’’ he said.

The Congress of South Africa Trade Unions also decried the way the media reported and broadcast the images of Gaddafi’s body.

The congress spokesperson, Mr Patrick Craven said, “this `triumphalism’ is an example of imperialist barbarism at its worst.

“The only force which has the right to overthrow a dictatorial regime are the Libyans, not the military might of imperialist powers whose sole concern is to safeguard and promote economic interests.

“Gaddafi should have been charged to ICJ, he should not have been executed in a manner that resembled cold-blooded murder.’’

In a related development, the African Union Commission Chairperson, Dr Jean Ping, urged the new Libyan authorities to immediately commence efforts that would ensure the fulfillment of the aspirations of all Libyan people.

Ping made the call in a statement issued in Addis Ababa in reaction to the killing of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

“Today, more than ever before, there is the need for the new Libyan authorities to spare no effort in ensuring that those aspirations are fulfilled.

“From the onset of the crisis in Libya, the AU has called for, and tirelessly worked towards a solution that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Libyan people for democracy, respect for human rights and good governance’’, Ping said.

He reiterated AU’s conviction on the need for national reconciliation among all Libyans, in line with the stated commitment of the new Libyan authorities.

He said this would ensure stability and the establishment of viable, democratic and accountable institutions.

Ping further stressed the continuing commitment of the AU to support the Libyan people and to work with the new authorities towards genuine national reconciliation, respect for human rights and an inclusive transition leading to the establishment of a new democratic dispensation.

He said the Commission would soon establish a liaison office in Tripoli to be headed by a Special Representative.

“In line with the decision adopted by the Peace and Security Council (PSC) on 20 October 2011, the AU is taking steps for the early establishment of a liaison office in Tripoli to be headed by a Special Representative.’’

Ping said the step, together with the effective participation of Libya in the work of the AU organs, including the PSC, would go a long way in assisting the country to step up efforts aimed at completing all actions needed to bring about lasting peace, stability, security, development and democracy to Libya.