Stone Bridge Students Visit Embassy of Libya

Stone Bridge Students Visit Embassy of Libya

J.C. presents Dr. Ageila Elabbar with Stone Bridge hat in appreciation for meeting with us. Students asked Dr. Elabbar about the recent history of Libya, its relations with its neighbors and its relationship with the United States. This meeting took place December 17th, 2018.

SBHS Assistant Principal Shahrazad Kablan prepped students for their visit to the Libyan Embassy by describing her life in Libya and working against the government of Muammar Gaddafi and other actions promoting freedom and democracy in Libya. Ms. Kablan talked with us on December 12th, 2018.

Madison (2nd row, right) There is political power with one group in eastern Libya and one in western Libya. Do you see unification among these groups soon? ANSWER-Libya has been controlled by a military system from 1969-2011, meaning that coming from that time, they do not have a constitution or any institutes that can help Libya as a country become a unified state. Starting from new era, they have worked in a few elections and a government run by a parliament, but the division of the two comes from the political conflict of creating another separate parliament in a different area. This caused conflict between the two administrative governments and from the government standpoint, there are two different countries but from the Embassy standpoint, they are representing Libya as a whole. The UN is supporting them on the side of democracy and elections, and they are working hard to make unification happen with help from the international community. They all agreed to start the election process next spring 2019, with the hope of a unifying election.

Arrival

Aria (3rd left) Did you know Ambassador Chris Stevens and if so what did you think of his work in Libya? ANSWER-Yes, we knew Ambassador Chris Stevens. He was very persistent and really hoped for a strong relationship between Libya and the United States. Additionally, he was very supportive of education, Libyan youth, and relations with the United States while he was ambassador in Libya. He was supported and liked by many people in Libya because they saw how he was a United States official who looked to improve Libya as a whole, and introduce American ideas into the country. While he was Ambassador, he encouraged education and youth very much. For example, he introduced the English language back into various Libyan schools, so they improve their English and learn. He was also supportive of different Libyan students traveling to the United States to enroll in universities. The Libyan officials were also very supportive of the Chris Stevens initiative, and worked towards that to achieve the goal that he worked toward while he was ambassador.

Wonderful Libyan desserts

Raksha- What actions did you take to help remove Khadafy from power? ANSWER- The ambassador helped send organizations such as the Chris Stevens Initiatives and advocates such as Ms. Kablan to communicate with the Libyan people about their rights. This helped minimize Khadafy's power in Libya by persuading Libyans to isolate themselves from the West in support of causes of liberation.

Dylan- If I were to visit Libya what tourist attractions would you recommend? ANSWER- Since Libya is not a tourist attraction, we do not go to a lot of tourists. But when some tourists are there, they visit some parts of Libya that are vastly diverse like mountains, Roman remains, deserts, but one main attraction are two big cities: Tripoli and Benghazi.

Jacquie- Does your government have any regrets about the way the migrants were force off a cargo ship docked in the port of Misrata? ANSWER-

Aaron- The Refugee ship Aquarius and Doctors Without Borders are ending rescue missions in the Mediterranean after pressure by European countries. What is your governments position on that? ANSWER- This is a complex situation. We understand why they are doing this but it doesn't help the situation in Libya.