Libya's Bashagha Admits his Government Failed to Enter Tripoli

Fighters affiliated with the Dbeibeh government train on securing Tripoli, Libya (AP)
Fighters affiliated with the Dbeibeh government train on securing Tripoli, Libya (AP)
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Libya's Bashagha Admits his Government Failed to Enter Tripoli

Fighters affiliated with the Dbeibeh government train on securing Tripoli, Libya (AP)
Fighters affiliated with the Dbeibeh government train on securing Tripoli, Libya (AP)

Libya’s parliament-appointed prime minister, Fathi Bashagha, has admitted the government’s failure to conduct its daily business from the capital Tripoli nearly eight months after its formation.

Bashagha said in a speech in Benghazi, after concluding his tour abroad, that the cabinet will exercise its duties from Sirte and Benghazi, adding that the government rejects sedition.

He asserted that the government works for all Libyans, accusing some parties of wanting to create chaos and division.

Bashagha stressed that the government would serve all Libyans to achieve national reconciliation, despite many difficulties.

The government tried to stay in Tripoli to carry out its duties but wanted to avoid bloodshed and sedition, and decided to return peacefully despite people's suffering in the capital and the Libyan West in general, explained Bashagha.

According to local media, Bashagha is scheduled to visit Cairo after meeting in Qobba with Speaker Aguila Saleh.

Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry of the Dbeibeh government announced that its Undersecretary for Public Affairs, Mahmoud Saeed, received a Libyan prisoner from the Ukrainian-Polish border, according to the prisoner exchange agreement signed with the Ukrainian government.

The ministry explained that a government committee recently deported and evacuated all the Libyan community in Ukraine, after a series of negotiations with the Ukrainian authorities last March.

All members of the Libyan community were deported and returned safely.

In addition, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) renewed its commitment to achieving peace in Libya through an inclusive Libyan-led and owned process.

Noting in a brief statement on the International Day of Peace, UNSMIL asserted it continues to work with all Libyan actors to advance the peace process and the elections the Libyan people demanded.

In New York, the head of the Presidential Council, Mohammed Menfi, participated in the consultative meeting held by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz with African leaders, including President of Senegal, Macky Sall, in his capacity as President of the African Union (AU), and Chairperson of the African Commission, Moussa Faki.

Menfi praised Germany's role in supporting the political track in Libya through the Berlin conferences and the cooperation between Germany and Africa to support Libya's stability.

He also touched on the challenges of food security in Africa, especially in light of the current international crisis, and the importance of cooperation to overcome this crisis.

Menfi explained that after reaching stability, Libya could play a significant role in oil, energy, and environment, providing economic and investment opportunities, stopping illegal migration, and settling sustainable development in Africa.



Al-Alimi to UN Envoy: Houthis Not a Reliable Peace Partner

Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad al-Alimi welcomes UN Envoy Grundberg in Aden, Yemen (SABA)
Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad al-Alimi welcomes UN Envoy Grundberg in Aden, Yemen (SABA)
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Al-Alimi to UN Envoy: Houthis Not a Reliable Peace Partner

Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad al-Alimi welcomes UN Envoy Grundberg in Aden, Yemen (SABA)
Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad al-Alimi welcomes UN Envoy Grundberg in Aden, Yemen (SABA)

UN envoy Hans Grundberg is working to address the Yemeni crisis, but Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), has questioned the Houthi militias’ trustworthiness for peace.

During Grundberg’s visit to Aden, the interim capital, Al-Alimi told him that the Houthis may not be a reliable partner. Grundberg had called for “constructive dialogue” to ease tensions.

Yemen’s state media reported that Al-Alimi received an update on Grundberg’s recent talks and his focus on reducing tensions and restarting the peace process, which has been disrupted by “Houthi terrorist groups supported by Iran.”

Grundberg thanked Yemen’s PLC and government for their work to reduce tensions and prevent a return to widespread conflict, according to SABA News Agency.

On his part, al-Alimi reaffirmed support for the UN’s efforts to restart a political process based on a Saudi roadmap.

He also supported UN efforts to address the worsening humanitarian situation caused by Houthi attacks on oil facilities and shipping lanes, which he said are backed by Iran.

Al-Alimi stressed the need for continued local, regional, and international attention on Houthi actions, including human rights abuses and measures against Yemenia Airways that worsen humanitarian conditions and damage the airline’s reputation.

The Houthi group, backed by Iran, is holding four Yemenia Airways planes in Sanaa and blocking the airline from accessing around $120 million in its bank accounts.

The PLC chief said a recent failed Houthi attack on the Safir oil facility in Marib shows the Houthis are not a reliable partner for peace. He accused them of prioritizing their supporters’ interests over Yemen’s needs.

Al-Alimi stressed the need for international unity and listening to Yemenis’ calls for stability and peace, in line with UN resolutions, especially UNSC Resolution 2216.

Grundberg, who has not reported progress on economic issues between the Yemeni government and the Houthis, urged for constructive dialogue to reduce tensions. His office stated that he and Al-Alimi discussed the urgent need for a broader dialogue to ease tensions across Yemen.

Grundberg has expressed concern over UN staff held by the Houthis and renewed the UN Secretary-General’s call for their immediate release.

The UN diplomat ended his visit to Muscat, where he met with Omani officials and Houthi negotiator Mohammad Abdelsalam. He stressed the urgent need for de-escalation in Yemen and urged the Houthis to prioritize the well-being of the Yemeni people.

Grundberg also called for the immediate release of the detained UN staff during his meetings. Before Muscat, he discussed de-escalation efforts with Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammad Al Jaber in Riyadh.

In Riyadh, Grundberg met with the ambassadors of the five permanent UN Security Council members, highlighting the need for a unified approach to support peace talks and a ceasefire in Yemen.