Political parties welcome rebel victory at Tripoli

15:14 The Opposition spokesman for Foreign Affairs George Vella congratulated the National Transitional Council for the latest developments in Tripoli, as two of Gaddafi’s sons have been arrested and Tripoli is now in the hands of the revolutionaries.

Vella augured that this revolution would be the start of a new era, where the Libyans live together in peace, in a society where fundamental rights and individual freedom are respected and guaranteed.

“The Labour Party salutes those who died during the last six months fighting for what they believed in,” Vella said. “We hope that a reconciliation process starts as soon as possible so Libyans can now live in a just and open society.”

Vella added that Libyans should treasure the newly found freedom, which they obtained through much sacrifice and loss of human life.

“Libya must now create solid constitutional structures to prevent others from ruling the citizens against their will,” Vella said. “We are sure that the new Libya will be a valuable ally to Malta in the cooperation between the two countries as well as in the investment, education and cultural sectors.”

The two countries must now work for stability and peace in light of the new realities in Libya, he concluded.

15:04 The European People’s Party also welcomed the Libyan developments, saying it will call relevant EU bodies to commit all necessary resources, both human and financial, to help in the process of rebuilding Libya.

“We have taken good note of NATO's readiness to help the Libyan Transitional National Council, demanding, however, that Libya stays united, and that the future is founded on reconciliation and respect for human rights,” said EPP Chairman Joseph Daul, EPP Vice-Chairman Ioannis Kasoulides, and Maltese MEP Simon Busuttil.

“The EPP Group shares those demands. Democracy and respect for human rights are inalienable rights of all people in the world," the EPP said.

They added that those responsible for human rights violations” should be held accountable through the due process of law” and called on the Libyan people to not carry out retribution in the process of rebuilding their country.

14:11 The PN expressed hopes that the ongoing struggle playing itself out in the Libyan capital of Tripoli leads to a new country in the history of Libya without further delays.

The party added that the new country that will be built should be founded on basic principles like justice, liberty, and the protection of human rights and democracy.

The PN also noted “with satisfaction” the help the government provided and that it continues to provide to the Libyan people through humanitarian assistance.

09:28  Alternattiva Demokratika saluted "the birth of a post-Gaddafi Libya".

AD was reacting to the incursion of thousands of rebels into Tripoli encountering little resistance, while the ICC confirmed the arrest of Seif Al-Islam and his brother Mohammad.

AD Chairperson Michael Briguglio welcomed the developments taking place within the Libyan capital, saying these are “beyond description.”

He said the celebrations of freedom by the Libyan people in the streets of Tripoli are “a true symbol of what making history is all about.”

“The Libyan opposition, with the aid of the international community has finally got rid of the brutal Gaddafi regime. We augur that other brutal dictatorships are done away with,” Briguglio said.

AD spokesperson on EU and International Affairs Prof. Arnold Cassola it is “imperative” that the transitional government ensures that there are no reprisals or vindictive actions from the winning faction against supporters or members of the former administration.

Cassola also called for a “new Libya” built on respect of basic human rights. as well as the rights of all minorities.  “The rule of law is to be the guiding light of the new Libya,” he said.

He said the fall of the Libyan regime represents a lesson for Maltese political parties and politicians who have built their successes support from the unstable Libyan leader.

“It is about time that these parties and politicians publicly denounce the financial and political support obtained from Gaddafi,” Cassola said.

AD spokesperson on Migration and Citizenship Robert Callus also called on the EU to assist “the democratic process as well as pressure the new leaders to ratify the Geneva Convention for Refugees like all other democratic countries have done, as well as allowing the UNHCR to operate once again in Libya.”

He said that while the West could not dictate what type of democracy the new Libya will have, “it is indispensable that that the most fundamental human rights are respected".