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Libyan Speaker: Qatar and Turkey Violated Sovereignty of Our Country

President of the Libyan House of Representatives Aguila Saleh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
President of the Libyan House of Representatives Aguila Saleh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Libyan Speaker: Qatar and Turkey Violated Sovereignty of Our Country

President of the Libyan House of Representatives Aguila Saleh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
President of the Libyan House of Representatives Aguila Saleh (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Libya depends on Saudi Arabia's support to maintain stability in the country, according to Libyan Speaker Agila Saleh who stressed that Riyadh has a role in the unity of the Arab and Islamic nation, noting that both Qatar and Turkey violated Libya's sovereignty and supported terrorist military factions.

During his interview with Asharq al-Awsat on the sidelines of his visit to Riyadh, where he met with Chairman of Saudi Shura Council Sheikh Abdullah al-Sheikh, Saleh explained that his visit is aimed at developing relations between the two councils and clarifying what is happening in Libya regarding the political agreement.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives praised the Saudi-Libyan relations and stressed the Saudi leadership's keenness to support Libyan people under all circumstances. He added that Libyans rely on the active role of Saudi Arabia, welcomed by Arab and Islamic communities, in exercising diplomacy to prevent foreign interventions, saying: "Let Libyans rule themselves."

Saleh pointed out there is no progress in the Libyan issue because there has not been enough pressure on the UN envoy by the international community to implement the agreement.

"We came to Saudi Arabia, and we rely on the Kingdom to contribute to pressure the UN envoy and accelerate the reunion and the implementation of what was agreed upon," said Saleh.

He also expressed optimism about the appointment of Ghassan Salame as UN envoy to Libya, asking him to expedite the search for a solution.

Qatari - Turkish interventions

Saleh confirmed Turkish and Qatari interventions in Libya, adding that evidence of this intervention is prominent, last of which was discovered on Monday, with a group of terrorists backed by both countries arriving in Libya.

"We wished our Qatari brothers had supported Libya, and were neutral," said Saleh, adding he hoped Doha had respected Libyans.

The Speaker also accused Turkey of arming terrorist groups, the last of which was revealed in Greece trying to smuggle 29 containers full of weapons and explosives to Libya.

On the other hand, he lauded the efforts of the Libyan army and its sacrifices despite the presence of terrorist organizations with developed weapons. He also called upon the tribes and dignitaries to convene and try to find a solution for the Libyan crisis.

Saif al-Islam al-Gaddafi

When asked on the candidacy of Saif al-Islam al-Gaddafi for presidential elections, Saleh indicated that Libyan parliament annulled the law of political isolation, meaning that every Libyan, whether Saif al-Islam or any other, has the right to run for elections given they are not subject to judicial restrictions.

"It is up to Libyans to choose their candidate, and we as the Parliament, can't rule out any candidacy for any reason," he added.

As for him, Saleh believes that Saif al-Islam's candidature for presidency is not appropriate, given that many Libyans have their concerns and this could further divide the country.

As for the current House of Representatives, the adviser stated that some countries, instead of supporting the legitimacy as they claim, support Muslim Brotherhood, creating a rift among Libyans.

"We were surprised by the political agreement, achieved in Sukhairat by unauthorized people," he stressed.

Saleh stressed that after international pressure, "amendments were approved by the United Nations and the Security Council with the support of the Arab States, indicating that the Presidential Council, instead of including three presidents, becomes composed of a president and two deputies, and the Prime Minister is tasked with presenting the government's program before the parliament for approval and confidence vote."

The Speaker told Asharq Al-Awsat that the decision to form an executive authority composed of a president and two deputies from each region, a government of national accord in order to unite institutions, and take Libya out of this crisis was almost unanimous.

The government of national accord (GNA) violated the political agreement, and yet the international community continues to support it, according to Saleh.

Relations with Egypt

Saleh stressed that relations between Libya and Egypt are historic, considering Cairo a refuge for Libyans. He also praised Egypt's cooperation with Libya in securing the border.

The Speaker concluded by calling Arab leaders to unite and assume their responsibilities for a strong Arab nation, adding that it is crucial to join Arab forces together to prevent foreign interventions.

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Al-Sharaa to Asharq Al-Awsat: Revolution Ended with Regime’s Fall, Will Not Be Exported

Ahmed Al-Sharaa in the interview with Bissane El-Cheikh in Damascus on Thursday
Ahmed Al-Sharaa in the interview with Bissane El-Cheikh in Damascus on Thursday
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Al-Sharaa to Asharq Al-Awsat: Revolution Ended with Regime’s Fall, Will Not Be Exported

Ahmed Al-Sharaa in the interview with Bissane El-Cheikh in Damascus on Thursday
Ahmed Al-Sharaa in the interview with Bissane El-Cheikh in Damascus on Thursday

Ahmed Al-Sharaa, the head of the new Syrian administration, told Asharq Al-Awsat that “the Syrian revolution ended with the regime's fall, and we will not allow it to spread elsewhere.”

He stressed that Syria “will not be used to attack or destabilize any Arab or Gulf country.”

Speaking from the Presidential Palace in Damascus on Thursday, Al-Sharaa said the Syrian opposition’s actions had “set the Iranian project in the region back by 40 years.”

Asked why Syria has yet to send a direct message to the Gulf and major Arab nations, Al-Sharaa responded by saying that his country has much to say to its Arab neighbors.

“Syria had become a platform for Iran to control key Arab capitals, spread wars, and destabilize the Gulf with drugs like Captagon,” he said.

He added: “By removing Iranian militias and closing Syria to Iranian influence, we’ve served the region’s interests—achieving what diplomacy and external pressure could not, with minimal losses.”

Al-Sharaa also criticized efforts to restore ties with the former Syrian regime, including its return to the Arab League in exchange for concessions.

“We were confident this would fail because we knew the regime would not make any genuine concessions or approach these overtures in good faith,” he said.

He claimed that during a meeting with Jordanian officials, the former regime was asked why it insisted on exporting Captagon to Jordan.

“The response was that it would not stop unless sanctions were lifted," Al-Sharaa said, adding “this is not how the regime operates.”

He emphasized that Gulf strategic security has since improved. “Today, the Iranian project in the region has been pushed back 40 years, making the Gulf more secure and stable.”

When asked if he would give reassurances on Syria not becoming a refuge for certain figures, Al-Sharaa dismissed concerns about hosting figures who cause concern for some Arab nations, saying Syria will not become a haven for controversial individuals.

“We are now focused on state-building. The revolution ended with the regime's fall, and we will not allow it to spread elsewhere. Syria will not be a platform to threaten or unsettle any Arab or Gulf country,” he said.

Al-Sharaa stressed that Syria seeks to rebuild and strengthen ties with Arab nations. “Syria is tired of wars and being used for others’ agendas. We want to restore trust and rebuild our country as part of the Arab world.”

He praised the Gulf’s progress, saying: “We admire the development in Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia’s bold plans and vision, and we aspire to achieve similar progress for Syria.”

He added: “There are many opportunities for cooperation, especially in economic and developmental areas, where we can align our goals.”

On Syria’s relationship with its neighbor Lebanon, Al-Sharaa acknowledged concerns raised by Lebanese counterparts about him reaching Damascus, fearing it could strengthen one faction over another in Lebanon.

“We are not seeking any form of dominance over Lebanon,” he said. “We want a relationship based on mutual respect and exchange, without interfering in Lebanon’s internal affairs. We have enough work to do in our own country.”

Al-Sharaa emphasized Syria’s intention to maintain balanced relations, saying he aims “to stand equally with all Lebanese groups, and what pleases them, pleases us.”

Al-Sharaa was asked about a national dialogue conference and a new constitution to guide Syria’s future, and the mechanism that he plans to ensure inclusivity for all Syrians in the process, especially among the base of supporters and fighters who do not necessarily agree with his current moderate speech.

Al-Sharaa acknowledged differing opinions but emphasized he does not want to impose his personal views on Syrians.

“I believe in letting legal experts shape the relationship between citizens, with the law as the guide,” he said.

“Syria is diverse, and it's natural for there to be different opinions. This difference is healthy.”

Al-Sharaa stressed that the recent victory is for all Syrians, not one group over another.

“Even those we thought were loyal to the old regime expressed joy, as they had not been able to openly express their feelings before,” he noted.

He expressed confidence that Syrians, regardless of their background, are aware enough to protect their country.

“My aim is to reach a broad agreement and build a country where the rule of law helps resolve our differences,” Al-Sharaa concluded.

On the complex issue of forced disappearances and individuals missing in prisons and mass graves, Al-Sharaa said the previous regime was a criminal gang, not a political system.

“We fought a brutal group that committed crimes like arrests, forced disappearances, killings, displacement, starvation, chemical attacks, and torture,” he said.

He stressed that while the regime is gone, the focus should be on justice, not revenge.

“We must not approach this with a desire for vengeance,” he said.

Al-Sharaa stated that those responsible for crimes like the Saydnaya prison and chemical attacks must be held accountable.

“Their names are known and they must be pursued,” he said. He also affirmed that families have the right to file complaints against unknown perpetrators.

Al-Sharaa outlined efforts to address the issue of missing persons. “We’ve broken the barriers, and specialized organizations are now helping with this task,” he said.

A new ministry will be set up to track the fate of the missing, both the deceased and the living.

“This will also assist families with documents like death certificates and inheritance,” he added.

He acknowledged the challenge ahead but emphasized the need to uncover the truth. “This is a big task, but we must find the truth,” Al-Sharaa said.

When asked about hosting the interview at the People’s Palace, the same location where Bashar al-Assad once sat, Al-Sharaa responded with a light-hearted laugh.

“To be honest, I don’t feel comfortable at all,” he said. “But this is a place that should be open to the people, a site where they can visit and where children can play in these courtyards.”