Libya independence: King Idris anniversary celebrated

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Libya independence: King Idris anniversary celebrated
by Darius Kadivar
24-Dec-2011
 

It is an immensely symbolic moment for Libyans as they mark the 60th anniversary of independence. The United Libyan Kingdom was formed on 24 December 1951 under King Idris. But after Col Muammar Gaddafi seized power in 1969, only the coup date in September was allowed to be marked.

British Pathé News: Coronation of King Idris:

Libya: Libya declares independence and crowns a new King

This is a day inwhich people feel that the huge challenges facing post-Gaddafi Libya will be put to one side. The tasks include forming a new national identity bringing together the different regions and tribes under a new strong central government. But the priority today is the party, which is expected to go on long into the night. People feel that this is a second freedom now, a freedom from 42 years of Gaddafi.

Documentary Narrated by Heir to the Libyan Throne Mohammed El Senussi: The 60th Anniversary of the Independence of Libya:

Libya independence: King Idris anniversary celebrated (bbc)

Libya has celebrated the anniversary of its independence from Italy and France - for the first time in 42 years. The United Libyan Kingdom was formed on 24 December 1951 under King Idris. But after Col Muammar Gaddafi seized power in 1969, only the coup date in September was allowed to be marked. In Tripoli, crowds marched from Martyrs Square to the former Royal Palace, chanting "No more Gaddafi!" Separately, the economy minister who had served under Col Gaddafi resigned. Taher Sharkas was appointed by the former leader just two months before his capture and death at the hands of rebels in October. Mr Sharkas resigned after weeks of rallies, during which protesters had demanded the exclusion of former regime officials from the cabinet.

Mass lunch scrapped

The day's central event was a march to the former Royal Palace, which currently houses the country's national museum.

"Today, we begin the building of Libya as our forefathers have done," Prime Minister Abdurrahim al-Keib from the National Transitional Council said. "We call on our sons to build Libya after its destruction," he added. One of those present at the celebrations, Prince Idris bin Abdullah al-Senussi, who was among the royal family members forced into exile, told the BBC that he had dreamed of being able to one day return to Libya.

"Libyans are determined to build a country, to have a democracy," he said. "I think they will never accept any more somebody to dictate or humiliate them. Libyans will run their country by themselves." However, a planned mass lunch for several thousand people in Tripoli was cancelled for security reasons. Even today, many Libyans remain unaware of the significance of 24 December- the anniversary was not celebrated during Col Gaddafi's four-decade rule.

Recommended Watchings:

PHOTO ESSAY: 1960s Libya: A Glimpse of Life Before Gaddafi

THE «R» WORD: Film on the «United Kingdom of Libya» Narrated by it’s Heir

Related Blogs:

Libya's Exiled Crown Prince Hails 'New Chapter' For Libya

MONARCHY OR REPUBLIC ? British MP Calls For Referendum On Libya’s Future

Former Kingdom’s PM Adovocates A Parliamentary System for Future Libya

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ROYAL HOPEFUL:Libyan Crown Prince offers to help homeland

Exiled Libyan Crown Prince sees Gaddafi toppled soon

European Parliament Hosts Libya's Crown Prince

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TRIPOLI BRIGADE:France 24's Groundbreaking Documentary on Libyan Rebels

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Thank you Sadegh Bozorgmehr for describing what Gaddafi did ;0)

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To King Idris' Libya:  

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Only to deliver what could best be described by no other than your own words:

"When you remove a regime through terrorism, war, violence and so on, what you get in the replacing regime is never democracy." 

what goes around comes around !

 

;0) 

 

 


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