New Libya, Egypt leaders address UN General Assembly

Nations begin new era in int'l diplomacy following ousters of Gaddafi and Mubarak; Egyptian FM calls on world to recognize Palestine.

By REUTERS, JPOST.COM STAFF
Mahmoud Jibril 311 (photo credit: Reuters)
Mahmoud Jibril 311
(photo credit: Reuters)
Representatives of both Libya and Egypt addressed the UN on Saturday, making history in the first General Assembly to be held after the ousters of Muammar Gaddafi and Hosni Mubarak.
Libya's de facto Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril told the United Nations on Saturday his country has been reborn after toppling Gaddafi and appealed for the release of remaining frozen Libyan assets.
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"A new Libya is coming to life," he said in the first appearance by Libya's new leadership at the United Nations.
He recalled how Gaddafi had stood at the same podium two years ago and tossed a copy of the UN charter over his shoulder as he accused big powers of betraying its principles.
Jibril, in a business suit and tie, cut a very different figure from the deposed Libyan ruler who appeared at the United Nations in 2009 in a copper-colored robe to denounce the West in what Jibril called "a pathetic, theatrical move."
He acknowledged that NTC forces have yet to capture all of Gaddafi's strongholds, a vital goal if the NTC is to impose its authority across the oil-producing North African country.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Ali Amr addressed the UN General Assembly on Saturday, saying that only the establishment of a Palestinian state would end the conflict with Israel.
The Egyptian foreign minister called on all nations that had not yet recognized a Palestinian state to do so.
"Israel breaks international law by acting violently and continuing the blockade of Gaza," Amr stated.
Amr stated that Egypt was ready to persevere in carrying out his country's transition to democracy, adding that he was proud to represent the new Egypt.