Libyan children wave their country's new banner as well as a US flag during celerbations in the streets of Tripoli. -AFP Photo

WASHINGTON: The White House on Friday urged Libya's rulers to protect the freedoms and rights of the country's citizens on the anniversary of the start of an uprising that toppled dictator Moamer Qadhafi.

“Protecting the rights of all the Libyan people will help preserve the unity of purpose that defined the revolution,” President Barack Obama's spokesman said, while also encouraging ex-rebels to work with the government “to establish stability, peace, and reconciliation.”

Libyans celebrated the first anniversary of the uprising with fireworks and slogans, but the nation's rulers avoided official celebrations as a mark of respect for the thousands of people killed in the conflict that saw Qadhafi captured and slain on October 20, 2011.

“Through their courage and great sacrifice, and with the support of the United States and an international coalition, the Libyan people defeated a brutal regime and won their freedom,” White House spokesman Jay Carney said in a statement.

“Today the Libyan people are enjoying new liberties, expressing themselves freely, debating new laws, joining civil society organizations, and preparing for the first free and fair elections in the country's history,” he added.

“Libya's natural wealth can finally be invested in the people's future.”