Europe concerned over new Libya’s Islamic sharia ruleOctober 25, 2011 - 09:31 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - France said it would keep a watchful eye on Libya’s respect for human rights after the head of the country’s interim government, Mustafa Abdul Jalil, said that the system of Islamic sharia will be the fundamental source of legislation in the new Libya, Al Arabiya reported. “We will be watchful of respect for human rights and democratic principles, notably cultural and religious diversity and the equality of men and women to which France is unswervingly attached,” France Foreign Ministry spokesman Bernard Valero said. Discussions are under way on forming Libya’s next interim government and a decision is expected in about two weeks, the head of its National Transitional Council said. Mustafa Abdel Jalil said the council would discuss next week who would lead the new government; the individual will replace Mahmoud Jibril, who stepped down at the weekend. Abdel Jalil, who said Libya had taken Islamic shariah law as its source of legislation, tried to assuage concerns that the country would drift toward religious extremism. “I want to assure the international community that we as Libyans are moderate Muslims,” he said. The EU foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton, had said the introduction of shariah law in Libya must respect human rights. Asked for comment on the impact on women of polygamy and a ban on divorce, Ashton's spokeswoman, Maja Kocijancic, said, “We expect the new Libya to be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles.” Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |