Free Citizens of the World,

The aim of this petition is to show the Governments that form the United Nations, the support of the free citizens of the world for the Libyan people’s demand

a) To remove international recognition of Gaddafi's regime as the representative of the Libya

b) To recognise the Interim Transitional National Council as the true and sole representative of Libya.

Muammar Gaddafi's regime has lost its legitimacy in the eyes of ordinary Libyans as a result of countless internationally recognised crimes against the people of Libya. The regime, using disproportionate violence and inhumane methods against civilians and peaceful protests, has attempted to suppress the Libyan people's legitimate demands for freedom, democracy, justice and a better quality of life. 

Muammar Gaddafi's regime has flagrantly violated the UN 1973 resolution which demands the immediate establishment of a ceasefire and a complete end to violence and all attacks against, and abuses of, civilians.

We, the free people of Libya, seek the support of all the free citizens of the world for this petition in order to hasten the end of the suffering of the Libyan people under Gaddafi's regime.

The greater the international support for this petition the more seriously the governments of the world will take the Libyan people’s demand to remove international recognition of Gaddafi's regime and to recognise the Interim Transitional National Council as the true and sole representative of the Libyan people.

Your signature will make a difference. Just to know that so many support the cause of the Libyan people will only increase our determination to be free.

Your support for the Libyan people in their hour of need is invaluable.

Many thanks

A Libyan citizen

S.E.

Appendix:

The Interim Transitional National Council of Libya

The Interim Transitional National Council derives its legitimacy from the decisions of local councils set up by the revolutionary people of Libya on the 17th of February. These local councils facilitated a mechanism to manage daily life in the liberated cities and villages. The council consists of thirty one members representing the various cities of Libya from the east to the west and from the north to the south. The aim of the Transitional National Council is to steer Libya during the interim period that will come after its complete liberation and the removal of Gaddafi’s oppressive regime. It will guide the country to free elections and the establishment of a democratic constitution for Libya.

For more information on the council please visit http://ntclibya.org/

How the UN facilitates the recognition of a new government

The recognition of a new State or Government is an act that only States and Governments may grant or withhold. Thus it is the members of the United Nations through their votes that grant international legitimacy to a new government.

The procedure for recognition of the National Transitional Council as the new government of the people for Libya is as follows:

• The National Transitional Council submits an application to the Secretary-General and a formal declaration stating that it accepts the obligations under the UN Charter.

• The application is considered first by the Security Council. Any recommendation for admission must receive the affirmative votes of nine of the 15 members of the Council, provided that none of its five permanent members - China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America – has voted against the application.

• If the Council recommends admission, the recommendation is presented to the General Assembly for consideration. A two-thirds majority vote is necessary for admission of a new State or government, and membership becomes effective on the date the resolution for admission is adopted.