TRIPOLI – Well-known and leading female Libyan NGO activist Alaa Murabit was awarded the annual Golden Apple 2013 international category prize in Rome. The award by the Marisa Bellisario Foundation recognizes the top twelve female achievers in a variety of categories ranging from entrepreneurship, design and up to sport. The award was presented to Alaa Murabit, founder of the Zawia-based NGO Voice of Libyan Women, by Italian Foreign Minister Emma Bonino. At the prize presentation, guest of honour Minister Bonino took the opportunity to comment about the situation in Libya and Italy's responsibility to Libya. “It is a responsibility that we assume”, said Bonino, adding that “it will not be easy, but it is not only in Libya's interest but our national interest too. Libya is a country we know historically”, the Foreign Minister added. Minister Bonino went on to highlight the active role that Italy will play with actions to support the democratic transition and development of the economy, and to encourage the Libyans in pursuing a peaceful and inclusive reconciliation process and constitutional reform. She hoped that she will have feedback next July 4, with the visit to Rome of Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zidan. – Libya Herald
