Public Statement on the Current Situation in Libya

The Club de Madrid is aware that we live in a changing world and leaders are facing new and difficult challenges. Likewise, we know that there is no single model that works for all. None of these difficulties however, justify repression and the use of violence. Under the firm conviction that, within the framework of the rule of law, citizens should be free to exercise their rights in peace and freedom, and in accordance with international standards, we believe there is an urgent need to establish a constructive dialogue between civil society and authorities in Libya. To reach consensus on a framework of coexistence, the Libyan Government needs to respond to the legitimate expectations of citizens expressed through democratic pluralistic and participatory methods.

The Club de Madrid seeks to support the construction of functional and inclusive societies through dialogue, with a view to the prevention and resolution of political conflicts and the strengthening of democratic values and democratic institutions.  In similar situations we have offered our experience and added value to begin peaceful dialogue, mitigate conflict and establish a process of democratic transition.  We will continue to do so.

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About the CLUB DE MADRID:

The Club de Madrid responds to the demand for leader-to-leader support to confront today’s global, regional and national democratic leadership challenges. It is an independent organization dedicated to strengthening democratic values and leadership around the world by drawing on the unique experience and resources of its Members –more than 79 democratic former Heads of State and Government from 55 countries who contribute their time, experience and knowledge to this mission.

From 2007-2009, in response to an expressed need for greater efforts towards and in support of democratic dialogue and freedom of association in the Arab world, the Club de Madrid launched an initiative aimed to strengthen discourse and association in the Middle East and North Africa.  This project, “ Strengthening Dialogue and Democratic Discourse through Freedom of Association in the Mediterranean and the Middle East Region” was implemented in Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia. Please, click here for more information on this project.

Media Contact:

Susana Manueco, Communications Officer, smanueco@clubmadrid.org,

Tel. +34 91 154 8236 ~ Cell. +34 616 194 183