Speaker of Libya’s east-based parliament Aguila Saleh stressed that resolving his country’s political crisis lies in the formation of a unified government that would end the power struggle between the Government of National Unity (GNU) and its rival government of stability with the aim of holding the delayed elections.
In an interview to Asharq Al-Awsat, Saleh added that the political impasse “won’t lead to a new military clash or war between the Libyans.”
He cited the people’s “awareness that such clashes aim to prolong the division and chaos so that Libya would wind up a failed state that is controlled by foreign powers.”
He underscored the need to hold the parliamentary and presidential elections, saying the ballot boxes would choose who rules.
“Of course, holding transparent elections, whose results are accepted, demands the presence of a unified government for that purpose,” he went on to say.
Moreover, he blamed head of the Tripoli-based GNU Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah for the current impasse, saying it has caused division and financial and administrative corruption.
Asked why the government of stability has failed in entering the capital Tripoli and assuming power, he said: “We had from the start demanded that Sirte city be the base of the government because it is not under the threat of militias so it can function normally without pressure.”
Such a government would then begin dismantling these militias, “however, some countries don’t want stability to prevail in Libya and have refused to work with the government of stability even though it enjoys the parliament’s confidence,” added Saleh.
These countries have claimed that they would not recognize a government that is not based in the capital, he continued. “They realize that a move to the capital would lead to war and fighting. No one wants a new war between the Libyans. The formation of a government is an internal affair and doesn’t require international recognition,” Saleh stated.
“We do not oppose any meeting that would help end the crisis,” he declared in reference to United Nations envoy Abdoulaye Bathily’s call to hold a meeting for Libyan parties. He stressed however, the need to respect the constitutional foundation and electoral laws.
On whether Dbeibah should attend the meeting, Saleh said the head of the GNU is no longer recognized by the parliament, so he no longer represents the cabinet.
“In order to quash accusations that we don’t want a solution to the crisis, we have demanded that if some parties insist on Dbeibah’s participation, then it should be met with the participation of head of the stability government, Dr. Osama Hammad,” said the speaker.
On when the parliamentary and presidential elections could be held, Saleh replied: “When a new unified government is formed and when the electoral commission declares it is ready to hold the polls.”
Asked about the progress in the dismantling of militias and the withdrawal of foreign forces from Libya, he replied: “We are demanding their complete pullout from our country.”
