U.S. President Barack Obama gestures as he delivers remarks about providing states flexibility under No Child Left Behind in exchange for reform at the White House in Washington February 9, 2012. (Photo:Reuters)
The White House on Friday urged Libya's rulers to protect the freedoms and rights of the country's citizens on the anniversary of the start of an uprising that toppled dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
"Protecting the rights of all the Libyan people will help preserve the unity of purpose that defined the revolution," President Barack Obama's spokesman said, while also encouraging ex-rebels to work with the government "to establish stability, peace, and reconciliation."
Libyans on Friday celebrated the first anniversary of the uprising against Gaddafi with fireworks and slogans, even as its new leader vowed to act firmly against further instability.
Libya's new rulers have not organised any official celebrations at a national level as a mark of respect for the thousands of people killed in the bloody conflict that saw Gaddafi captured and slain on October 20.
But spontaneous commemorations began nationwide in cities and towns led by residents of Benghazi, the city which first rose against Gaddafi and his 42-year regime.
Men, women and children came out on the streets of Tripoli, Benghazi, Misrata and other towns late on Thursday to begin the celebrations.
Residents of the city will formally celebrate the anniversary later on Friday at a function expected to be attended by Libya's new ruler Mustafa Abdel Jalil, interim Prime Minister Abdel Rahim al-Kib and other dignitaries.
Abdel Jalil warned on Thursday that Libya's revolutionary spirit and stability will not be compromised.
"We opened our arms to all Libyans, whether they supported the revolution or not. But this tolerance does not mean we are incapable of dealing with the stability of our country," he said in a television address.
"We will be tough towards people who threaten our stability. The thuwar are ready to respond to any attack aimed at destabilising" the country, Abdel Jalil said.
But pro-Gaddafi group the Libyan Popular National Movement posted a statement on several websites saying the situation in Libya "is becoming worse every day."
"There's very little interest from the international media in the many horrors that have taken place. We are reorganising ourselves outside Libya in an inclusive political movement that would encompass all Libyans who understand the terrible reality of Libya," it said.
One year after the uprising, Libya is battling challenges ranging from how to tame the rowdy militias that fought Gaddafi to establishing a new rule of law.
Thousands of people were killed or wounded in the conflict, the country's vital oil production ground to a halt, and homes, businesses, factories, schools and hospitals were devastated.
The challenges include rebuilding an aging and damaged infrastructure, fostering vibrant state institutions, tackling a corrupt economy and boosting weak health, judicial and educational systems.
But the most immediate headache is how to control the tens of thousands of ex-rebels who have now turned into powerful militias, whose jealously guarded commitment to their honour and power occasionally erupts into deadly clashes.
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