The United Nations has announced plans to end the hostility between the two rival governments in Libya and pave the way for a unified central government. The intergovernmental organisation proposes a presidential council to be set up comprising members from both the governments – one internationally recognized in the eastern city of Tobruk, while the other an Islamist-backed in Tripoli.
At a news conference in Morocco, UN’s special envoy for Libya, Bernardino Leon, said: “This was not an easy task but we believe this can work if all agree to work as a team.” He named six candidates for key posts in the national government, who will be part of the presidential council headed by a prime minister.
Excerpts from SRSG Bernardino Leon’s Press Conference in Skhirat, late Wednesday 07 Oct. 2015:http://t.co/yCNOlp7Tx7 pic.twitter.com/nbiJeTlkfP
— UNSMIL (@UNSMILibya) October 8, 2015
Tripoli-based MP Fayez Sarraj’s name has been proposed for the prime minister’s post by the UN. The council will have three deputies to the prime minister — representing the country’s east, west and south — and two other ministers.
Leon: The prime minister of the Government of National Accord is Fayez Sarraj
— UNSMIL (@UNSMILibya) October 8, 2015
Leon: GNA PM's deputies: Ahmad Meitig, Fathi Mejbari and Mussa Al-Kouni. Senior Ministers: Omar Aswad & Mohammad Ammar
— UNSMIL (@UNSMILibya) October 8, 2015
Leon: Proposed presidential council: 3 PM deputies: Ahmad Meitig, Fathi Mejbari & Mussa Kouni. Senior ministers: Omar Aswad, Mohammad Ammari
— UNSMIL (@UNSMILibya) October 8, 2015
However, the proposal is likely to face tough resistance from both parliaments, as some MPs have already cast their doubts on the plan.
“We are not a part of this (proposed) government. It means nothing to us and we were not consulted,” said Abdulsalam Bilashahir, of the Tripoli-based General National Congress (GNC),” he told the BBC.
The GNC has refused to propose names of candidates for a united government, as they want more amendments to the initial deal. Leon, however, said that the GNC’s decision to not propose names and ask for more changes in the text is a little frustrating for the international community, which has made huge efforts to adapt the text favouring both sides.
He said that the doors remained open for the GNC to participate as the elected officials in the Tripoli government are expected to vote “for, or against” the plan.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim Alzaghiat, of the Council on Deputies (CoD) government, based in Tobruk, said, “This proposed government will only lead to the division of Libya and will turn it into a joke. Mr Leon’s choice was unwise.”
Names of Libyan Government of National Accord Proposed: Excerpts from Leon’s presser in Skhirat, 08 October 2015: http://t.co/2t9DinFVuo
— UNSMIL (@UNSMILibya) October 9, 2015
