Clock ticking for Libyan reform

When Libya's transitional government announced the country's liberation last weekend, the clock started running on political commitments, U.N. officials said. Tripoli fell into rebel hands in August prompting the international community to recognize the transitional National Transitional Council as the sole governmental authority in Libya. Libya's transitional government said the country was liberated after the death of longtime Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi. Ian Martin, the U.N. special envoy for Libya, told members of the Security Council that the United Nations was committed to helping Libya make preparations for national elections. "With Sunday's declaration of liberation, the clock has started running on commitments the Transitional National Council has made in its constitutional declaration," he said in a statement. Martin noted the TNC was committed to setting up a formal interim government within 30 days, establish electoral legislation in 90 days and hold elections for a national congress in less than a year. The U.N. Security Council voted to end the no-fly zone over Libya. NATO forces had been carrying out Operation Unified Protector since March. The Security Council had authorized member states to "take all necessary measures" to protect civilians from attacks by forces loyal to Gadhafi. The mandate for the mission ends Monday.