Libyan parliament-appointed Prime Minister Fathi Bashagha hinted at the possibility of resigning if the House of Representatives and State Council agreed to choose a third prime minister to solve the power struggle with the head of the interim government of national unity (GNU), Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh.
Bashagha received at the government headquarters Sirte military and civilian figures from Misrata.
He affirmed his government's commitment to holding parliamentary and presidential elections in cooperation with the United Nations, warning that Dbeibeh's plan to hold parliamentary polls only "would be disastrous."
Bashagha said the cabinet would resume its duties when conditions were favorable. He asserted that he would not resort to fighting, adding that peace and reconciliation are the only available options.
"We will not accept fighting in Libya again. We are committed to the peaceful transfer of power," said the PM, adding that international parties, whom he did not specify, rejected his government because Libyan parties named it without any foreign interference.
It is the first time that Bashagha has discussed the possibility of a third government in the country.
Bashagha stated that he had held positive talks with senior officials in Washington without mentioning their names.
"Held another round of positive talks with senior US officials in Washington today. Our focus remains on peaceful solutions, renouncing violence, and building a trusted path forward for free and transparent presidential and parliamentary elections in Libya," he tweeted.
He asserted that he remains committed to serving the Libyan people and ensuring Libya's unity and security.
Earlier, the head of Libya's High Council of State, Khalid al-Mishri, announced a personal initiative to end the stalemate by forming a small cabinet to hold the elections.
Mishri rejects the Bashagha government, warning that this situation doesn't benefit Libyans.
He indicated that the situation could worsen as the elections near, noting that the Bashagha cabinet will not remain in Sirte for long.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry of the Bashagha government renewed its request to Libyan embassies, missions, and consulates not to deal with the GNU.
The Ministry urged the diplomatic missions to ignore any decisions or instructions issued by the government.
The Government of National Unity and Dbeibeh did not comment on the recent developments.
