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Sarraj Proposes Roadmap for Libya, Including Elections by Spring | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Fayez al-Sarraj, the head of Libya’s UN-backed unity government. AFP


Cairo- Head of Libya’s UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez al-Sarraj has reviewed his government’s work in a span of one year since coming to office in Tripoli in April 2016.

In a televised statement on Saturday , Sarraj proposed a new roadmap that necessitates holding parliamentary and presidential elections next March and implementing a ceasefire in all cities across Libya.

“I have decided to present to you today my vision and proposals for the next phase and a roadmap that may contribute to ending the current crisis and find common ground for a more secure and stable situation,” Sarraj said.

He also called for “ceasefire and stopping all fighting in the country, except for the anti-terror battle in line with the Libyan political deal and international agreements.”

The roadmap, according to Sarraj, will also see joining the separated institutions in Libya into one body by joint committees to be formed by the House of Representatives and the High Council of State.
 
The Central Bank of Libya should abide by the fiscal policy and deliver the needed funding for the government in order to deal with the issue of cash shortages in Libya and the issue of foreign currency exchange rates in the black market, Sarraj added.

The roadmap also said the High Council of Reconciliation and reconciliation committees will be formed in all Libyan cities in order to bring the people together and renounce differences and conflicts.

Sarraj talked about the security conditions across the country, saying there are many armed forces that are disguising under different names and are trying to create chaos. He noted that the Presidential Council’s roadmap will unquestionably end this chaos soon.

He said the lack of security in Libya was the “thorniest” issue facing the country, and regretted that his predecessors did not disarm militias after the 2011 revolt.

“We are now harvesting the fruits of these mistakes,” said Sarraj. “The time has come for unity and salvaging our nation.”

Libya has been suffering a political division and insecurity since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime in 2011.

Sarraj’s government was appointed based on a UN-brokered peace agreement in Skhirat that aims to end the country’s political division.