The United Nations Security Council began discussion Friday of a full-fledged UN mission to support Libya's transitional authorities. Ian Martin, UN special adviser for post-conflict planning in Libya, held closed-door discussion with the Security Council to lay the foundation for an initial three-month UN mission. He told reporters that the council plans to adopt a resolution to deploy the mission as soon as possible, so the UN can begin delivering relief assistance to the Libyan people, according to a report of the German Press Agency "DPA". He said the mission opens the "opportunity both to bring in personnel, to provide some initial advice and assistance in the areas that the Libyans have identified, but at the same time, continue a discussion with them to plan longer-term UN support." UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon proposed the mission to speed up delivery of humanitarian assistance and define Libya's needs and wishes under the Transitional National Council. The mission would have a mandate to assist Libya's efforts to restore public security and order and to promote the rule of law, inclusive political dialogue and national reconciliation. Other tasks include drafting a new constitution, preparing elections and laying the groundwork for the protection of human rights and support of justice.
