UMA sees Libya's election as chair of UN human rights commission as victory

Secretary General of the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA), Habib Boulares, said Libya's election as chair of the United Nations Human Rights Commission is a victory for the UMA and the whole Arab world.

In a congratulation letter to Libyan minister of African unity, Ali Salem Triki, the UMA secretary general says this victory confirms "Libya's stature within international organizations and the esteem of the international community, as well as the role of the leader of the Libyan revolution, Muammar al Qathafi, in supporting human rights."

The letter, quoted by Libyan news agency (JANA) also pays tribute to the importance given to women in Libya.

Libya was overwhelmingly elected Monday to chair the top United Nations rights body after the United States, breaking with UN traditions, forced a vote.

It will preside at the March 17-April 25 session of the U.N. Human Rights Commission which meets annually to survey the rights situation around the world.