Libyan Political Dialogue Forum Mulls PM Pick

Part of the activities of the Political Dialogue Forum held in Tunisia’s capital, Tunis (DPA)
Part of the activities of the Political Dialogue Forum held in Tunisia’s capital, Tunis (DPA)
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Libyan Political Dialogue Forum Mulls PM Pick

Part of the activities of the Political Dialogue Forum held in Tunisia’s capital, Tunis (DPA)
Part of the activities of the Political Dialogue Forum held in Tunisia’s capital, Tunis (DPA)

The Libyan Political Dialogue Forum talks continued for the second day Tuesday in Tunisia's capital to discuss a draft political roadmap for the preparatory phase in Libya.

The discussions, which kicked off Monday under the UN auspices, are expected to conclude on Saturday during which a press conference will be held to announce key agreements reached between Libyan parties.

Various political figures hope the forum will serve as a reference during the upcoming transitional phase. A Libyan committee will be formed and will include five figures of the 75 officials who participated in the forum.

They will be tasked to monitor the outcomes of the Tunis meeting and the implementation of the agreements, as well as take a final decision in case obstacles occurred.

Remarkably, Libyan sources revealed that several figures have been proposed for the prime minister's post. These are led by Libyan Interior Minister of the Government of National Accord Fathi Bashagha, politician Ahmed Maiteeq and Speaker of the east-based Libyan parliament Aguila Saleh.

The draft being discussed includes seven main political issues that set the principles of the national political program, including holding general elections, restructuring the executive authority in Libya to achieve security, ending armed conflicts, unifying state institutions, improving services and economic performance, as well as developing the work of state institutions and attaining comprehensive political reconciliation.

According to Arab Parliament Speaker Adel Abdulrahman al-Asoumi, the LPDF represents a pivotal stage and a major milestone to end years of conflict and meet the aspirations of the Libyan people of comprehensive peace and lasting stability in their country.

Asoumi urged all Libyan parties to actively engage in the dialogue and prioritize the national interest of Libyans to reach a comprehensive political settlement to the crisis.

He stressed that this settlement will support the sovereignty of the Libyan state over its entire territory, preserve its national unity and end all forms of foreign interventions in Libya’s internal affairs.



US Says Hamas Solely to Blame for Resumption of Gaza Hostilities

 Dorothy Shea, United States Ambassador to the United Nations, addresses a Security Council meeting at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, US, March 18, 2025. (Reuters)
Dorothy Shea, United States Ambassador to the United Nations, addresses a Security Council meeting at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, US, March 18, 2025. (Reuters)
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US Says Hamas Solely to Blame for Resumption of Gaza Hostilities

 Dorothy Shea, United States Ambassador to the United Nations, addresses a Security Council meeting at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, US, March 18, 2025. (Reuters)
Dorothy Shea, United States Ambassador to the United Nations, addresses a Security Council meeting at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, US, March 18, 2025. (Reuters)

Responsibility for the resumption of hostilities in Gaza lies solely with Hamas, and the United States supports Israel in its next steps, the acting US ambassador to the United Nations said on Tuesday.

Ambassador Dorothy Shea made the statement to a United Nations Security Council briefing after Palestinian health authorities said Israeli airstrikes pounded Gaza and killed more than 400 people, ending weeks of relative calm after talks to secure a permanent ceasefire stalled.

"The blame for the resumption of hostilities lies solely with Hamas," Shea said, charging that the group had refused every proposal and deadline to extend the ceasefire and allow time to negotiate a framework for a permanent ceasefire.

Shea said US President Donald Trump had made clear that Hamas must release the hostages it is holding immediately or pay a high price.

"We support Israel in its next steps," she said, while rejecting allegations that Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were conducting indiscriminate attacks.

"The IDF is striking Hamas positions," she said. "It is well known that Hamas continues to use civilian infrastructure as launching pads, and the United States condemns this practice as should others."