Libyan Parliament Member, Saeed Imgheib, confirmed that the only available path for resolving the Libyan crisis is the Cairo Declaration. This is reflected in the restructuring of the Presidential Council, and the assignment of a separate government leader that unites institutions, ends the current state of division, and prepares for presidential and parliamentary elections, after the expulsion of foreign mercenaries. Imgheib stressed that these are the first steps that must follow the announced ceasefire.
In an interview with Al-Bawaba news site, Imgheib ruled out the possibility that the Head of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Khalifa Haftar, and Parliament Speaker Ageela Saleh, would sit with the Government of National Accord’s (GNA) Prime Minister, Fayez Al-Sarraj. He attributed this refusal to the Turkish intervention and the introduction of mercenaries, “especially since the militias affiliated with Al-Sarraj do not accept the ceasefire,” he said. “This proves that Al-Sarraj does not have any power…So what is the point of sitting with him?” he added.
The MP also believed that Al-Sarraj’s call for elections next March was an attempt to get rid of and circumvent international pressure. He pointed out that this is also an attempt to remove LNA forces from Sirte, and turn it into a demilitarised zone in order to facilitate control of oil resources.
“The situation in Libya is currently not ready for elections, so how can we hold elections in cities full of mercenaries and terrorists? With the GNA subordinating to these militias?” Imgheib questioned. “The matter is difficult, and it is better for Al-Sarraj to first accept the Cairo Declaration, then return to the negotiating table, and start a political path to form a government of national unity, that would lead the country and save it from what it is in,” he added.
Commenting on the Egyptian position, Imgheib said: “In fact, the steadfast Egyptian position has always called for a peaceful solution, a return to the political process, the return of stability, and the end of the suffering for the Libyan people. This has not changed, rather it has gained more stability, support, and effectiveness at all levels when Turkish ambitions increased. This is a position for which we thank Egypt.”
The MP stressed that the presence of mercenaries hinders the process of a ceasefire. “The mercenaries, with the Turkish forces, are now the ones who are advancing the front lines in the Abu Grain-Al-Washaka front. They are the ones in de facto control of Misrata, Al-Watiya, and Mitiga bases,” he said. “They are the ones who are moving drones, and they are the ones who possess weapons to control the western region.”
He pointed out that Turkey and Qatar know very well that the ceasefire is not in their interest, and that any upcoming agreement may keep them out of the Libyan political scene. “The Turkish and Qatari defence ministers visited Tripoli to urge the militias to continue fighting, and not agree to any ceasefire or political settlement. Therefore, their support for the militias and the flooding of the country with mercenaries will not stop creating chaos, and the continuation of the conflict.”
Replying to a question about the agreement on the disarmament of Sirte and Al-Jufra, he indicated that if that happened because of international pressure, this means the Turkish entry to the region, and its complete control of Libya. “Consequently, the implementation of the Turkish plan, which is supported by several Western countries, poses a threat to the neighbouring countries, and the entire region”, he said. “This trick was rejected by the LNA, and Ageela Saleh. It will never be approved because it means the practical division of Libya. Neither the parliament, the army, nor the people will agree to abandon that vital region in any way, ”Imgheib said.