Washington, Oct 24 (IANS): US President Barack Obama has hailed the declaration of liberation in Libya as the "beginning of a new era of promise", and urged the country to start the reconciliation process, according to a White House statement.

"On behalf of the American people, I congratulate the people of Libya on today's (Sunday's) historic declaration of liberation. After four decades of brutal dictatorship and eight months of deadly conflict, the Libyan people can now celebrate their freedom and the beginning of a new era of promise," Xinhua quoted Obama as saying in the statement.

He urged the Libyan authorities to live up to their commitments to "respect human rights, begin a national reconciliation process, secure weapons and dangerous materials, and bring together armed groups under a unified civilian leadership".

"Now that the fighting in Libya has reached an end, the National Transitional Council (NTC) must turn its attention to the political transition ahead," he said.

He said the US looks forward to working with the new Libyan government as the transitional authorities prepare for the country' s first free and fair elections.

"As they take these steps, the US will continue our close cooperation with our international partners and the UN Support Mission in Libya to help advance a stable, democratic transition," Obama said.

NTC Vice Chairman Abdel Hafiz Ghoga Sunday officially announced the liberation of Libya from the regime of Muammar Gaddafi at a ceremony held in Benghazi.