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Libya independence: King Idris anniversary celebrated Libya independence: King Idris anniversary celebrated
(about 6 hours later)
For the first time in 42 years, Libya is celebrating the anniversary of its independence. Libya has celebrated the anniversary of its independence from Italy and France - for the first time in 42 years.
The United Libyan Kingdom was formed on 24 December 1951 under King Idris. The United Libyan Kingdom was formed on 24 December 1951 under King Idris. But after Col Muammar Gaddafi seized power in 1969, only the coup date in September was allowed to be marked.
However, after Col Muammar Gaddafi seized power in 1969, only the date of his coup was allowed to be marked. In Tripoli, crowds marched from Martyrs Square to the former Royal Palace, chanting "No more Gaddafi!"
Celebrations are planned in Tripoli, including lunch for several thousand, served on tables which organisers say could stretch for 2km (1.2 miles) along Tripoli's seafront. Separately, the economy minister who had served under Col Gaddafi resigned.
The day's central event will be a march from Martyrs Square to the country's national museum - the former Royal Palace - where there will be speeches. Taher Sharkas was appointed by the former leader just two months before his capture and death at the hands of rebels in October.
But many Libyans remain unaware of the significance of 24 December due to the anniversary not being celebrated under Col Gaddafi's four-decade rule. Mr Sharkas resigned after weeks of rallies, during which protesters had demanded the exclusion of former regime officials from the cabinet.
The rally has begun, with senior members of the Libyan National Transitional Council, including its chairman, Mustafa Abdul Jalil, and interim Prime Minister Abdurrahim al-Keib, expected to be joined by a number of international dignitaries. Mass lunch scrapped
The day's central event was a march to the former Royal Palace, which currently houses the country's national museum.
It is an immensely symbolic moment for Libyans as they mark the 60th anniversary of independence.It is an immensely symbolic moment for Libyans as they mark the 60th anniversary of independence.
This is a day in which people feel that the huge challenges facing post-Gaddafi Libya will be put to one side. The tasks include forming a new national identity bringing together the different regions and tribes under a new strong central government.This is a day in which people feel that the huge challenges facing post-Gaddafi Libya will be put to one side. The tasks include forming a new national identity bringing together the different regions and tribes under a new strong central government.
But the priority today is the party, which is expected to go on long into the night. People feel that this is a second freedom now, a freedom from 42 years of Gaddafi.But the priority today is the party, which is expected to go on long into the night. People feel that this is a second freedom now, a freedom from 42 years of Gaddafi.
"Today, we begin the building of Libya as our forefathers have done," Prime Minister Abdurrahim al-Keib from the National Transitional Council said.
"We call on our sons to build Libya after its destruction," he added.
One of those present at the celebrations, Prince Idris bin Abdullah al-Senussi, who was among the royal family members forced into exile, told the BBC that he had dreamed of being able to one day return to Libya.One of those present at the celebrations, Prince Idris bin Abdullah al-Senussi, who was among the royal family members forced into exile, told the BBC that he had dreamed of being able to one day return to Libya.
"Libyans are determined to build a country, to have a democracy," he said."Libyans are determined to build a country, to have a democracy," he said.
"I think they will never accept anymore somebody to dictate or humiliate them. Libyans will run their country by themselves." "I think they will never accept any more somebody to dictate or humiliate them. Libyans will run their country by themselves."
The BBC's Mark Lowen, in the capital, says the country has huge challenges ahead including building a strong national government, disarming the militias that still wield power in the country, and promoting reconciliation between pro- and anti-Gaddafi fighters. However, a planned mass lunch for several thousand people in Tripoli was cancelled for security reasons.
Even today, many Libyans remain unaware of the significance of 24 December - the anniversary was not celebrated during Col Gaddafi's four-decade rule.