Benghazi – Libyan Prime Minister Osama Hammad participated on Wednesday in the celebration held in Benghazi marking the 68th anniversary of the founding of the Libyan Red Crescent Society, in the presence of a number of senior state officials and representatives of local and international organizations.
In a speech delivered on this occasion, the Prime Minister expressed his pride in participating in this national and humanitarian event, affirming that the Libyan Red Crescent Society represents a symbol of giving and human solidarity. He stated that it will remain an independent and unified civil institution working under the nation’s banner, committed to the principles of neutrality, humanity, and independence.
Hammad recalled the solemn sacrifices made by the members and volunteers of the Libyan Red Crescent during the “Daniel” storm disaster, praying for mercy upon the souls of those who lost their lives while performing their humanitarian duty in rescue and relief operations.
He also praised the Society’s role in supporting and relieving the displaced and affected during the war on terror in Benghazi and Sirte. He valued the success of the major maneuver “Responders” (Mustajeeboon), which was carried out in Derna in cooperation with the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, considering it a distinguished model of national integration in the fields of rescue and disaster management.
In his speech, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of international organizations and institutions operating within Libya—headed by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL)—adhering to national laws and regulations governing their work and respecting Libyan sovereignty. He stressed that the implementation of any humanitarian projects or programs within the country must take place with prior coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to ensure the organization of humanitarian work and the unification of efforts.
He also stressed the necessity for the Libyan Red Crescent Society to be the national entity officially authorized to supervise all relief and humanitarian aid programs, whether during times of disaster or in cases of displacement of populations from neighboring countries due to wars and conflicts, given the extensive experience and organizational and humanitarian capacity it possesses.
In concluding his speech, Prime Minister Dr. Osama Hammad extended a salute of appreciation and gratitude to the President, members, and volunteers of the Libyan Red Crescent Society, valuing their dedication and sincerity in fulfilling their humanitarian mission. He prayed to God to grant them success in serving the nation and for security, peace, and prosperity to prevail throughout Libya.
The ceremony was attended by the Head of the Administrative Control Authority, Khaled Najm; the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdulhadi Al-Hwaij; the Minister of Interior, Major General Issam Abu Zariba; the Head of the Internal Security Agency, Lieutenant General Osama Al-Darsi; and the General Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Abdelsalam Agila.
Also in attendance were the President of the Libyan Red Crescent Society, the Secretary-General of the Arab Organization of the Red Crescent and Red Cross, and a number of heads and members of diplomatic missions and international and regional organizations, in addition to a select group of officials and leaders from various national sectors.