Congressman Gregory W. Meeks Statement on the Capture and Death of Muammar Qaddafi

October 21, 2011

STATEMENT OF CONGRESSMAN GREGORY W. MEEKS

ON THE CAPUTURE AND DEATH OF

MUAMMAR QADDAFI

Excerpt: “The Libyan people who sacrificed so much during the past eight months of Coronel Qaddafi’s war against his own people, and endured so much during the past 42 years of the his dictatorship have positioned themselves to determine their own destiny.”

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), senior member of the House Financial Services Committee and Foreign Affairs Committee today released the following statement on the capture and death of Muammar Qaddafi:

“With the capture and subsequent death of Coronel Muammar Muhammad Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi (Muammar Qaddafi), the Libyan people have created an historic opportunity to open up a doorway to peace, domestic tranquility, democratic progress, and economic prosperity for their country and the region. Qaddafi’s end can mark an historic new beginning for Libya. The Libyan people who sacrificed so much during the past eight months of Coronel Qaddafi’s war against his own people, and endured so much during the past 42 years of the his dictatorship have positioned themselves to determine their own destiny.

“Now, the truly hard work begins of building an authentic Libyan democracy consistent with their aspirations, traditions, and common needs. Libyan people have the talent and resources of their country to finally be devoted to the peace, progress, and prosperity of Libya. From the beginning of their uprising last spring to this moment of triumph, the Libyan people were able to rely on the solidarity and assistance of the United States, NATO and the international community. The U.S. and other NATO countries, and various international institutions stand ready to continue their cooperation and support as the new Libya tackles the difficult tasks ahead.”