President Mohamed Nasheed has called on the international community to prevail and strengthen measures to realize the aspirations of the Libyan people.
Pledging the Maldives’ support for the democratic movement in Libya, the President called on Western, African and Arab countries and the African Union to urge the Libyan government to immediately cease the use of violence against pro-democracy campaigners.
The President’s call comes as reports from the country suggest that Colonel Gaddafi’s regime has used live ammunition against demonstrators in a bloody attempt to maintain power.
Human Rights Watch reports that the death toll of protestors has reached at least 233 in four days of pro-democracy demonstrations across Libya.
The President reaffirmed his comments earlier following the uprising in Egypt. He said:
“The right not to be tortured, the freedom to speak your mind, the ability to choose your own government… these liberties are not the preserve of Western nations but universal values to which everyone aspires.”
The President said fundamental rights and freedoms were human aspirations. “These are the forces that are being played out on the streets of Libya and other countries of the Middle East,” he added.
Reiterating his calls on Western powers “not to fear, but to support, the forces of democracy in Muslim countries,” President Nasheed said the international community, especially established democracies had a responsibility to assist those who aspire democracy and basic freedoms.
The pro-democracy protests in Libya follow a wave of popular uprisings in the Middle East, which has seen Tunisian President Ben Ali and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak swept from office.
Gaddafi has ruled Libya for over 40 years. His government stands accused of countless human rights violations, including the widespread use of torture against political opponents.