Libya needs help to democratise

Libya cannot make the transition to democracy on its own, writes the liberal daily Kaleva, calling on Finland to provide help as promised: "The changeover of power in Libya won't be easy because the country has no democratic traditions whatsoever. Libya was a kingdom based on a tribal system before Gaddafi's putsch in 1969. Even if Gaddafi tried to break up this system his own government was ultimately also dependent on the tribes. ... The council founded by the rebels is made up of different groups and marked by internal tensions and tribal conflicts. ... To prevent further bloodshed support from abroad will be necessary. Libya hardly has the strength to erect a functioning administration on the decayed ruins of the regime of terror. Finland wasn't willing to participate in the military operation but instead declared that it would take active part in a UN-led peace mission and the re-construction. For the sake of its international credibility it must keep its promise."

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