Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

‘Skhirat Deal Accepts Participation of All Parties,’ Fayez al-Sarraj Says | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
Select Page
Media ID: 55350541
Caption:

Chairman of Libyan Presidential Council and Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj


Cairo- Chairman of the Presidential Council of Libya and Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj called the President of the Libyan House of Representatives Aguila Saleh and the members of the Board to assume their historic responsibility and convene a session for the Government of National Accord to swear it in and be able to activate its role.

Al-Sarraj, who is currently in Cairo, confirmed that the Presidential Council is working on expanding the base of political participation and confronting terrorist organizations. He stressed that the council is working on integrating members of the armed groups in police institutions, the Libyan army, and civil institutions.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, al-Sarraj said history will bare Aguila Saleh responsible for many issues at a historical stage in the Libyan people’s lives, confirming that Tripoli is free from any ISIS militant.

Moreover, the Chairman of the Presidential Council criticized the so-called Government of Abdullah al-Thani, reminding of the resolution issued by the Security Council, which rejects dealing with any political entity other than the Presidential Council and the Government of National Accord, and stressing that the continuation of al-Thani’s government is considered a manipulation of the capabilities of Libyans.

When asked about the three files discussed at the Arab League, regarding fighting terrorism, the fate of the Libyan frozen funds, and the illegal migration, al-Sarraj answered: “The Government of National Accord, which should be acting on ground, first needs to acquire the Parliament’s trust in order to be able to fight terrorism and solve other issues, especially those related to development and reform in the country.”

Explaining why the parliament has not yet given the Government of National Accord its vote of confidence, al-Sarraj said the cabinet has already been formed and received the trust it needs, yet it still has to be sworn in before the parliament, which has received the line-up of the first and the second governments, but it still did not reply.

Asharq Al-Awsat asked whether the Libyan Parliament has any condition or request to overcome disputes and questioned al-Sarraj’s vision to resolve them.

For his part, al-Sarraj said that the current stage Libya is living compels all parties to let go of imposing any condition and be flexible in the negotiations to end the crisis Libya is facing.

On the other hand, al-Sarraj explained that each group has different visions and regarding the political deal signed in Skhirat, he said that his party discussed with other groups solutions based on this deal. He also said that if they want to talk about any matter related to the Presidential Council, he and his party members are ready to respond, suggest the formation of a new ministry and cancel another.

Al-Sarraj said that the United Nations is sponsoring the Skhirat deal and has sent U.N. Envoy Martin Kobler to be a mediator among the Libyan parties in their talks and find solutions for the crisis.