TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) — Sen. John McCain urged Libya's militias on Wednesday to integrate themselves into the country's new national army and called for the reported abuse of prisoners held by the ex-rebels to stop.
McCain, a strong advocate of U.S. intervention to stop deposed leader Moammar Gadhafi's crackdown on the country's 2011 uprising, spoke to reporters after meetings with former rebel commanders and the chairman of the ruling National Transitional Council, Mustafa Abdul-Jalil, in Tripoli.
The senator said he raised the issue of alleged abuses inside makeshift prisons run by militias.
"We made clear to them that human rights organizations are reporting serious abuses and the world is watching. We know it is difficult but these abuses need to stop so Libya can be respected everywhere in the world," he said.
He also said he advocated the collection of weapons by the authorities, saying that if they "fall into the wrong hands, it would pose a very serious threat."
The U.N. and other agencies have expressed concerns about the proliferation of weapons from the upheaval, fearful that it may feed instability throughout the region.
Hundreds of armed militias that fought against Gadhafi's forces are the real power on the ground in Libya, wielding control over cities, neighborhoods and borders.
The country has been plagued by revenge attacks by those who suffered at the hands of Gadhafi's forces during the brutal civil war. Human rights groups have documented reports of widespread torture and killings of detainees.
The NTC in contrast has been unable to rein in fighters, rebuild decimated institutions or stop widespread corruption.
Underscoring the turmoil, scores of civilians have been killed in tribal warfare in southern Libya since Feb. 11.
McCain however noted "enormous progress and change that has taken place over the past months."
He offered U.S. assistance in the country's upcoming elections.
"The upcoming elections in June will prove to the world that the people of Libya are struggling for universal human values of democracy and freedom," he said.
Libya is set to have elections in June to elect a 200-member assembly that will appoint a prime minister and select a panel to write the constitution.
The senator also offered American help providing expertise in treating wounded fighters and setting up rehabilitation centers inside Libya.
Libya lost thousands of its citizens-turned-fighters during the eight-month uprising against Gadhafi's forces. Thousands more were wounded and the government has set up a program to treat the injured fighters abroad.
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