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.
