AmbassadorCretzDiscussesaLibyanledRebuilding ProcessandtheFutureRoleoftheU.S.

inLibya
FORIMMEDIATERELEASE SEPTEMBER12,2011 CONTACT:MELISSAPRICE 5713661596 PRESS@IRDDC.ORG ARLINGTON, VA International Relief and Development (IRD) and the Middle East Institute (MEI) hosted U.S. Ambassador to Libya Gene Cretz at the National Press Club on September 7 for a discussion on Rebuilding Libya. Ambassador Cretz told the standing room only crowd that the U.S. fully recognizes Libyas Transitional National Council (TNC) and will work with the TLC toward a peaceful, more inclusive democracy. Ambassador Cretz stressed that the rebuilding process will be a Libyan-led process and that the U.S. is not in the business of nation building in Libya. He added that the most effective role for the U.S. will be in helping the people of Libya to rebuild their civil society. Ambassador Cretz went on to say that the international community has been amazed by the courage of the Libyan people and is proud to help, but the TNC and the people of Libya must now keep their commitments regarding human rights, transparency, accountability, and unity. Mark Ward, Deputy Assistant Administrator for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureau of Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance, presented a more detailed picture of the humanitarian needs on the ground. Ward said that medical needs have been paramount in Libya and complimented the role of international NGOs on the ground including IRD. Ward also reported that Libyan officials at the recent donor conference in Paris told him that they are in greater need of U.S. knowledge and expertise to help them rebuild, rather than in need of U.S. development dollars. Travis Gartner, IRD Director of Community Stabilization, highlighted the importance of grassroots, community-led development in Libya. He said that it was critical to establish trust and collaboration at the local level in order to put everyday life back in order. He also reiterated Ambassador Cretzs remark on the courage and capacity of the Libyan people. Gartner said that Libyans were lining up to volunteer, not asking to be paid; just anxious to help help their community and help their country. -- more -INTERNATIONALRELIEF&DEVELOPMENT |1621NORTHKENTSTREET,4THFLOOR|ARLINGTON, VA22209 T 703.248.0161 |F 703.248.0194 |WWW.IRD.ORG

Listen to a podcast of the event on MEIs web site, and read more on IRDs Libya program in our Libya Fact Sheet. Visit www.ird.org for more information on IRDs programs around the world, and read first-hand accounts from our field staff on our blog, IRD Voices. You can also stay up-to-date on IRDs latest news by following us on Facebook, Twitter (@ird_voices), Flickr, or YouTube.
IRD is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization responsible for implementing relief, stabilization, and development programs worldwide. IRDs mission is to reduce the suffering of the worlds most vulnerable groups and provide the tools and resources needed to increase their self-sufficiency. Specializing in meeting the needs of communities emerging from conflict or natural disaster, IRD partners with donors, local organizations, and many others to deliver sustainable services in agriculture, governance, health, and infrastructure. For more information, visit IRD.org. ###

INTERNATIONALRELIEF&DEVELOPMENT |1621NORTHKENTSTREET,4THFLOOR|ARLINGTON, VA22209 T 703.248.0161 |F 703.248.0194 |WWW.IRD.ORG