[Provisional Translation]
 

On Sunday, October 23, the Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) declared the complete liberation of Libya and the construction of a state governed by the rule of law. Japan welcomes this declaration as an important milestone in working towards Libya's full-fledged reconstruction, and strongly anticipates the early establishment of a cohesive interim government.

In Libya, the process of democratization and constructing a state based on the rule of law has entered a crucial stage. In order to build a new nation with the participation of all Libyan citizens, Libya must overcome diverse important challenges, including the establishment of a constitution, development of laws and administrative systems, cultivating civil society, and implementation of fair and equitable elections.

In response to the recent armed conflict, Japan has supported the efforts of the Libyan people by providing emergency humanitarian aid including medical assistance as well as by unfreezing 1.5 billion dollars in assets of the Libyan Government that were frozen under the former Gaddafi administration, in order to respond to the financial needs of building a new nation. Japan will continue to utilize its expertise and technology, while cooperating with the international community, in order to support the nation-building efforts of Libya.

Moreover, in order to further strengthen relations with the Libyan Government, Japan is to begin making full preparations for promptly reopening the Japanese Embassy in Libya.