Democracy

Libya Elects New Prime Minister

As NATO Mission Ends.

Libya's National Transitional Council elected Abdel-Rahmin El Keib to be the new prime minister on Monday. Before the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, El Keib spent almost forty years living in the United States, but he had a large role in financing the uprisings against the dictator and organizing the rebellion. El Keib previously served on the council as a representative from Tripoli. He is expected to select a new cabinet within two weeks. The news came on the same day that NATO’s mission in Libya is scheduled to end. NATO head Anders Fogh Rasmussen called the operation “one of the most successful in NATO history.” He said, "You've acted to change your history and your destiny; we acted to protect you. Together we succeeded; Libya is finally free.” The National Transitional Council had previously requested that NATO continue military action, but it was decided that the original mandate had been accomplished and additional support would need to be negotiated separately.