Libya: TNC Plans for Elections, Collaborates with the U.N.

The leader of the Transitional National Council (TNC), Mustafa Abdel Jalil, announced that the new government will hold free elections in eight months, and will put Muammar Gadhafi on trial in Libya rather than an international court. He said, “We want a democratic government and a just constitution. Above all we do not wish to continue to be isolated in the world as we have been up to now.” After two days of discussions with international partners, the TNC held a press conference in Dubai and announced that TNC leaders will meet with U.N. representatives tonight and tomorrow to discuss stabilization plans and immediate humanitarian needs. At the press conference, Dr. Aref Nayed, Spokesman of the Stabilization Team and Libyan Ambassador to the UAE, announced the formation of a Tripoli Security Committee to improve coordination and safety in the capital.

Meanwhile, President Barack Obama and French President Nicholas Scarkozy agreed in a phone conversation yesterday that both the U.S. and France would continue to support the democratic transition in Libya. According to British officials, today the U.N. Security Council will discuss a draft resolution to release frozen Libyan assets, and might vote on the resolution later this week. And in a meeting in Doha today, the TNC is expected to request the immediate release of $2.5b in frozen assets.