Libyan House of Representatives Urges End to Widespread Arms Chaos

A session of the Libyan House of Representatives (Libyan House of Representatives)
A session of the Libyan House of Representatives (Libyan House of Representatives)
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Libyan House of Representatives Urges End to Widespread Arms Chaos

A session of the Libyan House of Representatives (Libyan House of Representatives)
A session of the Libyan House of Representatives (Libyan House of Representatives)

The Libyan House of Representatives is urging an end to the widespread presence of weapons across the country following recent clashes in Al-Jumail city, near Tripoli. They’ve called for the immediate removal of all armed groups from the city, except for the regular police and army.

The situation worsened after clashes between armed groups from outside Al-Jumail, leaving at least one dead and nine injured.

The House emphasized the need to stop unauthorized armed presence in all Libyan cities, condemning attacks on citizens and state institutions in Al-Jumail.

In the meantime, Libya’s Government of National Unity reported that its leader, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, held separate meetings with the ambassadors of Iran and South Korea to Libya.

They discussed cooperation opportunities with their respective countries.

According to Dbeibeh’s office on Thursday evening, the Iranian ambassador expressed Iran’s interest in hosting the 13th session of the Iran-Libya Joint High Committee in Tehran.

They also talked about organizing an exhibition and economic forum for Iranian industries in Libya, as well as cooperation in nuclear medicine and other medical fields.

Dbeibeh expressed willingness to work together with Iran in various areas and to organize the joint committee meeting between the two countries.

As for his meeting in Tripoli with South Korea’s Ambassador, his assistant, and the economic advisor, Dbeibeh discussed the comeback of Korean companies to finish ongoing projects and start new ones across Libya’s cities and regions.

Dbeibeh and the South Korean officials praised Hyundai’s return to Libya, restarting work on a power station project near Tripoli after a 10-year pause. This move was seen as a positive sign of big companies returning to Libya, aiding its development needs.

Dbeibeh emphasized the need to tackle challenges facing Korean companies in all sectors and suggested organizing an economic and industrial forum for them in Libya to foster partnerships between both countries’ private sectors.



Aoun Says Lebanon Committed to Implementing Reforms, Disarming Hezbollah

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun attends a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Friday, March 28, 2025. (Sarah Meyssonnier/Pool via AP)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun attends a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Friday, March 28, 2025. (Sarah Meyssonnier/Pool via AP)
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Aoun Says Lebanon Committed to Implementing Reforms, Disarming Hezbollah

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun attends a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Friday, March 28, 2025. (Sarah Meyssonnier/Pool via AP)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun attends a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Friday, March 28, 2025. (Sarah Meyssonnier/Pool via AP)

President Joseph Aoun has reiterated that Lebanon is committed to implementing reforms and to Hezbollah’s disarmament.

"Lebanon needs time and space to resolve these matters calmly," Aoun told a delegation from the American Task Force for Lebanon (ATFL) at Baabda Palace on Monday.

In response to a question about his vision for disarming Hezbollah, Aoun emphasized "the importance of resorting to dialogue," saying: "As I said in my inaugural speech, there is no place for any weapons or any armed groups except within the framework of the state. Matters are resolved through communication and dialogue, because, after all, Hezbollah is a Lebanese component."

"We will soon begin working on devising the national security strategy, from which the national defense strategy will emerge,” he added.

The President also affirmed Lebanon's full commitment to UN Resolution 1701, hailing UNIFIL's work in the South Litani sector.

He also pointed out to Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement.

There has been several weeks of intensifying Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon targeting members of Hezbollah, including two strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, and rocket fire from Lebanon onto Israel. Hezbollah has denied any role in the rocket attacks.

The exchange of fire tested an already shaky ceasefire that ended a year-long war between Israel and Hezbollah, and calls for the disarmament of armed groups across Lebanon.

The ATFL delegation also visited on Monday Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who expressed views similar to Aoun.

Salam stressed the importance of implementing a reform plan and continuing efforts for the state to be the sole bearer of arms.