Libyan parties discuss the Presidential Council, provisional government at the UN-led forum

Libyan parties at a Libyan political dialogue forum, organized by the UN, discussed on Saturday the president’s council and the government’s powers and characteristics during the transition period.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) presented a proposal for the new Council and the powers of the government that have not yet been set up, said an official who attended the forum who did not want to be named Anadolu Agency (AA)

The official noted that the UN proposals for discussion continued until the end of Saturday and a preliminary acceptance was reached, but some participants demanded minor changes and no full compromise was reached.

Under the powers of the newly established Presidential Council, it is necessary to appoint a Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Army Staff and to appoint heads of state institutions, and declarations of state of emergency, war and peace must be made in consultation with the House of Representatives under the proposal.

The Council will also have the power to accredit representatives of foreign states in Libya and to appoint and withdraw representatives of Libya to international organizations on the proposal of the Prime Minister.

Consequently, the Council must take a unanimous decision, as the President’s duties will be limited to monitoring sessions, signing decisions under the minutes and representing Libya outside the country.

The government’s powers will cover the executive branch’s remaining responsibilities, including proposing legislative proposals to end the transitional period, implementing a roadmap aimed at holding elections at the appointed time, 24 December 2021, and drawing up a budget.

In addition, the Prime Minister will present the Cabinet and the Government’s agenda to the House of Representatives in a vote of confidence no more than 21 days from the date of ratification of the agreement.

If the government does not gain the trust of Parliament, the issue will be referred to a dialogue forum.

Elected Libyan officials also called on Saturday for a constitutional approval before national elections, without questioning the date of the ballots announced a day earlier.

The forum, which was launched on November 9 and was attended by 75 people elected by the UN to represent different parts of Libya, is expected to end on Sunday.

Libyans in UN-led talks on Friday agreed to hold national elections on December 24, 2021, the UN said, raising hopes for an end to the brutal decade-old conflict.

The decision was made on the fifth day of political talks in Tunisia, involving 75 delegates from existing government bodies and groups from across Libya’s political and social spectrum.

The participants also agreed to set up a new presidential council and an executive body to deal with the transition period.

But while the proposed election date is welcome, “we must focus on the constitution,” said Bachir al-Haouch, a member of the State High Council of Libya.

“One year gives us time to present the constitution to the Libyan people, so that they can approve or reject,” he told reporters.

Libya’s current interim constitution dates to 2011.

“Dialogue that does not lead to a constitutional referendum cannot meet the expectations of the majority of Libyans,” said Abdelmonem al-Sherif, a member of the body responsible for drafting the new constitution.

“UN missions and international parties have no right to reject this project,” he added.

But he also said that a new constitution could become a reality in the coming months before the election.

The talks near Tunis aim to hammer out an agreement on a new transitional government for the oil-rich North African country. Next year’s elections would be the first in Libya since 2014.

Turkish, Libyan defense chiefs meet

Meanwhile, Turkey’s defense minister met with his Libyan counterpart in Istanbul on Saturday, the Turkish national defense ministry said.

Hulusi Akar and Salahaddin Namroush exchanged views on the latest developments in Libya, the ministry said in a statement.

Akar said that Turkey is closely monitoring ongoing efforts for a political solution in Libya.

“Turkey’s goal is to contribute to the formation of a Libya that has ensured its territorial integrity and political unity and lives in peace, tranquility and stability,” he said.

Akar reiterated Turkey’s commitment to continue consultations with Libya and to continue military and security training of Libyan forces.

“Turkey supports Libya’s stability, independence and sovereignty,” he said.

The country’s new government was formed in 2015 under a UN-led agreement, but efforts for a long-term political settlement failed due to a military offensive by Putschist General Khalifa Haftar’s forces.

With Turkey’s help, the UN-recognized Government for National Agreement (GNA), led by Fayez Sarraj, has made significant gains against Haftar’s forces.