Libya's new leadership declares liberation

Libya's interim government has officially declared the liberation of the country after more than 4-decades of dictatorship under former leader Muammar al-Qadhafi.

The National Transitional Council made the declaration on Sunday at a huge rally in the northeastern city of Benghazi, where the anti-Qadhafi uprising began.

Vice Chairman Abdul Hafiz Ghoga said that Libyan land has now been completely liberated, marking the end of the 8-month-long civil war.

Ghoga told tens of thousands of people to raise their heads high as free Libyans.

The crowds chanted back, saying they are free.

But there is growing uncertainty over whether new leaders can unite to build a democratic Libya as rifts have surfaced among tribal and religious groups over ministerial posts in the interim government.

In addition, no consensus has been reached on how to handle Qadhafi's corpse, causing a delay in his burial.

Monday, October 24, 2011 07:05 +0900 (JST)