Botswana condemns Libya

Staff Writer | Tuesday February 22, 2011 00:00

 

The Botswana government has condemned the use of force by Libyan Security Forces resulting in a huge death toll, as they shot protesters.

The protest, which is organised against the Gaddafi regime has been going on for days and has claimed a lot of lives. 

A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has said that Botswana is concerned by international media reports, which show that a disproportionate use of force is being used by security forces against unarmed and peaceful protesters, which is contrary to international norms of freedom of expression and assembly.

'The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has today, called in the Libyan representative to protest in the strongest possible terms, against the killings and condemn these actions. The government urges the Libyan government to exercise restraint in addressing the situation,' reads the statement.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry stated that for a long time, people in some North African countries and the Middle East have suffered under autocratic regimes and their leaders.

The statement further states that it is unfortunate that the existing structures, on the continent and in the international community have been unable to bring about meaningful change towards democracy for the benefit of the affected people.

'Botswana continues to monitor the events unfolding in that part of the world and calls for restraint and a peaceful transition resulting in a democratic dispensation which is responsive to the wishes and aspirations of the people. Indeed, Botswana wishes for such democracy to take root where it remains elusive on the rest of the continent and the world at large,' it reads in part.

Efforts to source comment from the Libyan ambassador drew a blank.