| French FM Acknowledges Youths as Hope for the Future of Libya 21/12/2011 09:15:00 | ||
| French foreign minister Alain Juppé addressing the Tripoli university students by Khadija Ali During a two-day visit to Libya a few days ago, French Foreign minister Alain Juppé commended the Libyan people for their courage in in standing up to the Al Qathafi regime, and acknowledged that the Libyan youth were “the force of the revolution and are the hope for the future.” The French minister made the remarks as he addressed the students and staff of the Tripoli university during his two-day visit to the country a few days ago. In an hour-long speech he spoke about the Libyan revolution, how France could help Libya and about the “Arab Spring” in general. Even though it was a foreigner speaking, the French politician addressed many issues and dealt with most of what Libyans would like to hear from their own officials. He acknowledged the immense challenges that currently face Libya and it will also face in the future. He countered these challenges with the opportunities the future will open. “It will allow every one of you in your jobs and area of expertise an opportunity to contribute in building a state, it’s institutions and infrastructure,” he said. He went on to say that it is these very same challenges that will be the driving force and the power for the future Libya. The Libyan people have yet to hear such inclusive statements regarding the future Libya from their own leaders. Mr. Juppé encouraged discussion about these issues and the difficulties that the nation will have to face. He pointed out that so doing is not pessimism. “Talking about these difficulties is not pessimism. It means that we feel the responsibility for all those who participated in liberating Libya, so that they in turn can trust their own people.” The French foreign minister ensured that France will keep supporting Libya just as it already has, on three occasions, that is, by recognising the National Transitional Council, NTC, calling for the removal of Al Qathafi, and also by protecting civilians. Mr. Juppé repeatedly pointed out throughout his speech, that it would not be the foreign countries that will rebuild Libya. “It is you, and you alone who will build the future Libya,” he said, adding that however, France was ready to provide support. “And we want to help you build the future Libya through true collaboration,” he said. Mr. Juppé mentioned three sectors France intends to help Libya in, namely, education, healthcare and security. Education The French minister told his audience that even though it was a military victory and the fall of the regime that opened the doors to the transitional phase, it is not yet a complete success. He said it cannot be a complete success until Libyans are educated and have jobs. He welcomed students from Tripoli university to study in France and said that France also hopes to double the number of scholarships to Libyan students from 300 to 600. “We are also determined to encourage the teaching of the French language in Libya,” Juppé said, as such, he announced that the French school in Tripoli would soon reopen. He also announced, France would be opening a French youth cultural institute in Benghazi where,”they can discover French culture in its diversity and richness.” The announcement of the cultural centre got by far the largest round of applause from the mainly young audience because he said that, “Contrary to other French institutions this institution will not bear the name of a writer or a historical figure, but we will call it ‘The House of Freedom’ in honour of the courage of the Libya youth.” Healthcare France is recommitted to delivering the needed treatment and care to the injured Libyan revolutionaries in French hospitals Mr Juppé said, adding that it is his country’s will to expand the French-Libyan collaboration beyond the Benghazi medical centre. He also announced that the minister of health would soon be visiting Libya to meet with his Libyan counterpart. Security When it comes to security, the French FM said that France is able, and ready to support the security force needed for the future of Libya. “We would like to help Libya to live in peace so that it becomes an element of stability in the complex regional environment,” he said. During his meeting with the university students, Mr. Juppé encouraged French companies to invest in Libya, adding that the Libyans would in turn benefit from the expertise of the French and be able to create jobs for the Libyan youth. Alain Juppé consistently mentioned France’s support for the “Arab Spring” in various forms, but he also mentioned the fears France and its European allies have. “… People are asking if the values that prompted the uprising will form the basis for the new regimes. Many fear that there could be a return to previous mistakes,” he said. He rejected the ideology that Islam and democracy cannot coexist and rejected the idea that Arabs must choose between democracy and fundamentalism. The French foreign minister requested his young audience to be patient, reminding them that the time between the French revolution to when France became a democracy took 80 years. However, he hoped that it would take place much quicker in Libya. |
French FM Acknowledges Youths as Hope for the Future of Libya
Abdullah Al Asadi is a Libyan journalist and writer at TripoliPost, covering politics, society, and culture across Libya and the wider region. With a passion for independent storytelling and a commitment to accuracy, he brings readers in-depth reporting and thoughtful analysis on the issues shaping his country. He can be reached at abdullah.asadi@tripolipost.com
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