Libya reinstated to UN Human Rights Council

Libya has been reinstated to the United Nations Human Rights Council in an important step toward the African country's re-emergence as a full member of the international community.

The resolution was adopted by a majority of the General Assembly on Friday.

On March 1, the assembly voted unanimously to suspend Libya, following Moammar Gadhafi's violent crackdown on protesters.

That resolution, which was sponsored by Arab and African states, marked the first time a sitting member was removed from the council.

With Gadhafi's death and a new interim government in place, the resolution to restore Libya's rights on the council was adopted 123-4 with six abstentions. The four countries voting "no" were Venezuela, Nicaragua, Bolivia and Ecuador.

Before the vote, Libya's deputy UN ambassador Ibrahim Dabbashi stressed the National Transitional Council's commitment to defend human rights.

Jeffrey DeLaurentis, a U.S. deputy ambassador at the UN, said his country sees a future in Libya where the government responds to the democratic aspirations of its people and respects their rights. 

"Nonetheless, we remain concerned by reports of human rights abuses and violations in Libya," the statement said.

DeLaurentis said the UN will be able to offer its help with security reform, humanitarian issues, reconciliation, human rights, justice, the constitution and elections.

"As the situation stabilizes, the United States will continue to be fully engaged with our international partners, particularly the UN, to ensure that the Libyan people have the support they need to build their new country."