Article

2012-05-19 Africa North

U.N. to Probe Mercenary Role in Libya Conflict

[An Nahar] The U.N. human rights
...which are usually open to widely divergent definitions...
body said on Friday that a panel of experts will travel to Libya next week to investigate the use of mercenaries in last year's conflict.

The group will hold talks with government officials, civil groups and private military and security companies from May 21 to 25.

Mercenaries -- non-nationals who take part in conflicts for private gain -- reportedly backed Muammar Qadaffy
...a reminder that a single man with an idea can change an entire nation, usually for the worse...
in the revolution that led to the toppling of his four-decade dictatorship.

"In addition to the question of mercenaries, we intend to obtain direct and first-hand information on the activities of private companies offering military assistance, consultancy and security services on the international market, the type of activities they undertake in Libya and their effect on the enjoyment of human rights," said Faiza Patel, head of the U.N. working group on the mercenaries.

The Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights said the visit was taking place at the invitation of the Libyan authorities.

Last September, Patel said mercenaries had reportedly carried out serious rights violations in Libya, including summary killings and torture.

Posted by Fred 2012-05-19 00:00|| || Front Page|| [16 views ] Top
File under: Arab Spring

#1 "we intend to obtain direct and first-hand information on the activities of private companies offering military assistance"

To what end? Trial in a criminal court for serving as a contractor to--at the time--a sitting head of state?

Posted by American Delight 2012-05-19 09:15|| http://moneyjihad.wordpress.com/ 2012-05-19 09:15|| Front Page Top

#2 Mercenaries -- non-nationals who take part in conflicts for private gain -- reportedly backed Muammar Qadaffy

Contractors ~~Mercenaries not specifically sanctioned by the UN~~ also backed existing governments in Iraq and Afhganistan. The upcoming visit is taking place "at the invitation of the ~~Mooslim Brotherhood~~ Libyan authorities."

Are there any additonal questions?

Posted by Besoeker 2012-05-19 09:27|| 2012-05-19 09:27|| Front Page Top

#3 Uh, they better not investigate, otherwise they'll find all the black Africans that worked for Khadaffy. Remember that? Obviously it wasn't reported in the news until after Khadaffy lost, then the media went with the tired old racism theme when the Libyans retaliated.

Posted by gromky 2012-05-19 09:33|| 2012-05-19 09:33|| Front Page Top

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