[JURIST] The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) [official website] announced [press release] Wednesday that it supports the Libyan General National Congress’ decision to form an elected body that will be tasked with writing the country’s new constitution. The UNSMIL called the decision an important step in creating a government that reflect the needs of the people. It further called on the Congress to move quickly in implementing the process and offered Libya the assistance of the UNSMIL should it be required.

The announcement is the latest development in the transition of the Libyan government after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi [BBC obituary; JURIST news archive]. Last December, martial law was declared [JURIST report] in Southern Libya. In August, the Libyan national assembly elected [JURIST report] a Gaddafi opponent as interim president. Last January, the Libyan NTC published [JURIST report] a draft law for electing constitutional assembly.