Libya: Haftar Sees Solution in Upcoming Election

Libya's eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar salutes as he participates in General Security conference, in Benghazi, Libya, October 14, 2017. REUTERS/Esam Omran Al-Fetori
Libya's eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar salutes as he participates in General Security conference, in Benghazi, Libya, October 14, 2017. REUTERS/Esam Omran Al-Fetori
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Libya: Haftar Sees Solution in Upcoming Election

Libya's eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar salutes as he participates in General Security conference, in Benghazi, Libya, October 14, 2017. REUTERS/Esam Omran Al-Fetori
Libya's eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar salutes as he participates in General Security conference, in Benghazi, Libya, October 14, 2017. REUTERS/Esam Omran Al-Fetori

Libyan National Army (LNA) commander Khalifa Haftar described the upcoming presidential election as the only solution to the current crisis.

He did not rule out his candidacy in the polls, stressing that his main concern at the moment was to "save Libya and rid it of terrorism".

In an interview with Libya's Marsad newspaper, Haftar said that to end the crisis in the country, the people’s will must be fulfilled through elections and establishing stable legitimate political institutions.

The political solution, according to Haftar, demands the formation of a national unity government and a new presidential council composed of three members.

"But as December draws near, we see that time is barely enough to prepare the necessary requirements for elections, especially with the politicians' failure to act, and negative foreign interference in internal affairs, " he added.

On the accusation that he was "an extension of a coup project", Haftar said the Muslim Brotherhood and the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group have turned against the democratic path with the support of some regional parties that are sponsoring terrorism and chaos in the region. They have also rejected the outcomes of the parliament and the peaceful transfer of power in 2014 over baseless excuses.

Meanwhile, head of the Tawergha local council announced the release of 68 people after they were arrested by the Special Deterrence Force.

They called on Fayez al-Sarraj's Government of National Accord and the UN mission in Libya to fulfill their pledges to find a radical solution to the crisis of the displaced.



Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
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Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.