Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

I would not agree that the western countries or, indeed, Ireland, are washing their hands of the situation in Libya. That country is undergoing a period of normalisation. Militias are still active because this has been the nature of the chaos and mayhem that occurred in the overthrow of Gadaffi and they are still in control in some parts of the country. The interim government has stabilised the country and the elections were recognised as being fair and free by international monitors. A total of 65% of the population voted in the election. The government has not been established as yet but it seems it will be a liberal government. As soon as the government is established its first function will be to produce a constitution. A group of 60 elected representatives will produce the constitution and human rights will be included in the constitution. However, the legacy of the war must be acknowledged and also the legacy of the militias which overthrew Gadaffi and this legacy must be dealt with. Libya is going in the right direction and the international community is supporting it.

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