Libyan Parliament Criticizes Algeria for Refusing to Recognize Bashagha's Govt

Libya's Fathi Bashagha, who was appointed prime minister by the eastern-based parliament this month, looks on during an interview with Reuters in Tunis, Tunisia March 30, 2022. Picture taken March 30, 2022. (Reuters)
Libya's Fathi Bashagha, who was appointed prime minister by the eastern-based parliament this month, looks on during an interview with Reuters in Tunis, Tunisia March 30, 2022. Picture taken March 30, 2022. (Reuters)
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Libyan Parliament Criticizes Algeria for Refusing to Recognize Bashagha's Govt

Libya's Fathi Bashagha, who was appointed prime minister by the eastern-based parliament this month, looks on during an interview with Reuters in Tunis, Tunisia March 30, 2022. Picture taken March 30, 2022. (Reuters)
Libya's Fathi Bashagha, who was appointed prime minister by the eastern-based parliament this month, looks on during an interview with Reuters in Tunis, Tunisia March 30, 2022. Picture taken March 30, 2022. (Reuters)

The east-based Libyan parliament slammed the Algerian government for failing to recognize the government of stability headed by Fathi Bashagha.

Algiers has instead opted to continue to support the Government of National Unity, headed by Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah.

This is the first time the parliament openly criticizes Algeria in defending Bashagha's government, which it backed by a vote of confidence in March.

Head of the parliamentary foreign affairs committee, Youssef al-Aqoury deemed Algeria's ongoing refusal to recognize Bashagha's government and keep supporting the GNU as meddling in Libya's internal affairs and a violation of the country's sovereignty.

He noted the Algerian position "has never supported the stability of the Libyan people," while the two neighbors enjoy historic and social relations.

Moreover, he highlighted how Libya had stood by the Algerian people in their struggle against colonization.

"We therefore, question the position of the Algerian government, which has completely dismissed all fraternal relations and Libya's sovereignty," he added.

Dbeibah had visited Algeria on April 18 where he held talks with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

Tebboune said at the time that his country supports the Libyan government that is backed by the international community, meaning the GNU.

There can be no solution in Libya without returning to the people, he added.

He urged the need for Libya to hold parliamentary elections so that legitimacy can be restored to the people.

Only the parliament decides the shape of the new government, he added.

Aqoury dismissed the statements, saying the GNU lost its legitimacy when confidence was withdrawn from it and its replacement voted in.

Some countries have exploited the chaos in Libya by looting its oil and mineral wealth, he went on to say, without naming a country in particular.

Those parties hope to see crisis persist in Libya so that they could achieve their narrow interests, he added.

History will attest to those who helped restore stability and peace in Libya, he stressed.



Baghdad Urges Washington to Prevent ‘Imminent’ Israeli Strikes

Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)
Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)
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Baghdad Urges Washington to Prevent ‘Imminent’ Israeli Strikes

Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)
Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Thursday called on major powers to “exert greater efforts to end the war in Palestine and Lebanon.” Meanwhile, an Iraqi government official urged the United States to “prevent any attacks on the country,” referring to potential Israeli strikes.
During a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Al-Sudani stressed the importance of ensuring the conflict does not escalate “to a level that threatens regional and global stability.”
The Iraqi prime minister’s appeal comes amid reports suggesting that Israel may launch strikes on Iraq in retaliation for attacks by Iraqi armed factions targeting Israeli positions.
The Iraqi government is striving to assert its exclusive authority over weapons and war-related decisions. However, armed factions affiliated with the Axis of Resistance openly claim responsibility for near-daily rocket attacks on Israel. This has provided Israel with a justification for potentially targeting Iraqi territory, especially after it filed a complaint with the UN Security Council against six Iraqi factions and held Baghdad responsible for the attacks.
These factions have also openly declared their involvement in the ongoing conflict with Israel in Lebanon and Gaza. The Iraqi government has been unable to take decisive action to halt the activities of these factions, which many believe could soon expose Iraq to an Israeli strike.
According to media reports, Washington has warned Baghdad that Israeli airstrikes on Iraq are “imminent” unless the Iraqi government curtails attacks by Iranian-backed factions on Israel. The Times of Israel cited sources indicating that the United States has “exhausted all means of pressure on Israel” and urged Iraq to act swiftly to prevent such attacks.
Despite repeated assurances from the Iraqi government—including its recent adoption of 12 measures by the National Security Council to counter Israeli threats and complaints—the situation remains tense. These measures include monitoring Iraq’s western borders, preventing factions from launching attacks, and maintaining Iraq’s neutrality in the ongoing conflict.
On Wednesday, Abu Hussein Al-Hamidawi, Secretary-General of Kata’ib Hezbollah, made a striking statement on the role of resistance factions in the war and their commitment to the Unity of Fronts doctrine frequently mentioned by Axis of Resistance groups.
In an interview published by the faction’s media arm, Al-Hamidawi said: “The continuity of the Unity of Fronts concept depends on what the Lebanese Hezbollah decides.”
Al-Hamidawi also emphasized that resistance factions are constantly coordinating internally and with external partners such as Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Palestinian resistance leaders.
“We aim to ensure that the Palestinian people are not left alone and that the Unity of Fronts remains intact,” he stated.
Fadi Al-Shammari, a political advisor to Sudani, reiterated that Israel’s threats “are not new,” citing the recent complaint filed by Israel with the UN Security Council as part of its pattern of issuing threats.
In media statements, Al-Shammari reaffirmed the Iraqi government’s long-standing position: “The decision of war and peace lies solely with the Iraqi government.”
He noted that the factions’ attacks are being launched from areas outside Iraq’s borders, specifically from Syria. However, he stressed that the Iraqi government is working through its security and military agencies to prevent Iraq from becoming a battlefield for external or internal parties.
Al-Shammari also called on the United States to fulfill its responsibilities under the Strategic Framework Agreement and security pact with Iraq, emphasizing the need to deter and respond to any external attacks that threaten Iraq’s internal security.