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Libyan leader calls for unity on second anniversary of uprising

Arab World Materials 17 February 2013 19:58 (UTC +04:00)

Libya's leader called on Sunday for national unity and warned of chaos in the North African country on the second anniversary of the uprising against Moammer Gaddafi, dpa reported.

Mohammed al-Magariaf, head of the National Congress, called on Libyans "to roll up the sleeves and participate in the process of building the country," the official news agency LANA reported.

Libya has been struggling to restore law and order and revive its economy since the uprising.

Al-Magariaf was addressing thousands gathered in the eastern city of Benghazi - the birthplace of the armed uprising that led to the ousting and killing of Gaddafi.

Defence Minister Mohammed al-Berghathi promised to build a strong army to protect the country.

Libya's new rulers have been struggling to establish security in the presence of rival militia groups.

Libya's borders with Egypt and Tunisia have been temporarily closed over fears of violence.

Al-Magariaf said the National Congress will launch in the coming months an initiative for national dialogue to build consensus.

He also promised to fight corruption and monitor the trials of former regime officials.

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