UN Concerned Over Libya Parliament Vote on New PM

The United Nations building is pictured in New York, New York, US, September 24, 2018. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri/File Photo
The United Nations building is pictured in New York, New York, US, September 24, 2018. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri/File Photo
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UN Concerned Over Libya Parliament Vote on New PM

The United Nations building is pictured in New York, New York, US, September 24, 2018. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri/File Photo
The United Nations building is pictured in New York, New York, US, September 24, 2018. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri/File Photo

The United Nations voiced concern on Thursday over reports that a vote in Libya's parliament to install a new government "fell short of the expected standards".

An emailed statement from the UN secretary general's spokesperson said there were reports that the vote did not meet standards of transparency and procedure, and that there were acts of intimidation before the session.

The UN is instead focused on renewing its push for elections, the spokesperson said, adding that UN Libya adviser Stephanie Williams will soon hold talks between the parliament and an opposing political body, the High Council of State.

The position of international powers will be key in the coming tussle for power between the incumbent administration of interim prime minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah, and the government newly installed under Fathi Bashagha.

Dbeibah's government was put in place a year ago through a UN-backed peace process that was aimed at resolving Libya's political problems through an election last year, but the vote did not take place amid arguments over the rules.



US Defers Removal of Some Lebanese, Citing Israel-Hezbollah Tensions

Smoke billows from a site targeted by Lebanon's Hezbollah, along the northern Israeli border with Lebanon on July 25, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (AFP)
Smoke billows from a site targeted by Lebanon's Hezbollah, along the northern Israeli border with Lebanon on July 25, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (AFP)
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US Defers Removal of Some Lebanese, Citing Israel-Hezbollah Tensions

Smoke billows from a site targeted by Lebanon's Hezbollah, along the northern Israeli border with Lebanon on July 25, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (AFP)
Smoke billows from a site targeted by Lebanon's Hezbollah, along the northern Israeli border with Lebanon on July 25, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (AFP)

The United States is deferring the removal of certain Lebanese citizens from the country, President Joe Biden said on Friday, citing humanitarian conditions in southern Lebanon amid tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.

The deferred designation, which lasts 18 months, allows Lebanese citizens to remain in the country with the right to work, according to a memorandum Biden sent to the Department of Homeland Security.

"Humanitarian conditions in southern Lebanon have significantly deteriorated due to tensions between Hezbollah and Israel," Biden said in the memo.

"While I remain focused on de-escalating the situation and improving humanitarian conditions, many civilians remain in danger; therefore, I am directing the deferral of removal of certain Lebanese nationals who are present in the United States."

Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah have been trading fire since Hezbollah announced a "support front" with Palestinians shortly after its ally Hamas attacked southern Israeli border communities on Oct. 7, triggering Israel's military assault in Gaza.

The fighting in Lebanon has killed more than 100 civilians and more than 300 Hezbollah fighters, according to a Reuters tally, and led to levels of destruction in Lebanese border towns and villages not seen since the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war.

On the Israeli side, 10 Israeli civilians, a foreign agricultural worker and 20 Israeli soldiers have been killed. Tens of thousands have been evacuated from both sides of the border.