The General Union of Libyan Students announced that it is following the positive efforts made by the Libyan Parliament and the High Council of State (HCS).
“The General Union of Libyan Students congratulates these efforts, beginning with the consensus between the Parliament and the HCS. As well as granting confidence to the new government headed by Fathi Bashagha in the session through the legislative body.”
“We suffered false promises on student scholarships, and the deprivation of students from textbooks by the outgoing Government of National Unity (GNU) headed by Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba. The GNU obstructed the march of the union at all levels. Members of the Union were arrested, and others were threatened,” the statement added.
“We believe in the importance of this historic step, which took place under the dome of the legislative body, in preserving the independence of our political decisions. We in the General Union of Libyan Students call for moving forward in completing these efforts in a way that preserves the sovereignty of our country, and takes into account the interests of the Libyan people in general, and those of students and youth in particular,” it added.
It thanked its members for their vigilance, to not be tempted by calls for demonstrations.
The union called on the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to work on its set goals, including finding consensus among the Libyans and not being a party to the political conflict.
Notably, Libya’s Prime Minister-designate, Fathi Bashagha has begun consultations to form a new government for the country. This comes despite the refusal of the current Prime Minister, Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba to hand over power before elections.
In a speech on Monday, Bashagha described the formation of his government as a “heavy and grave task that will include all Libyan parties. The new government will represent the true meaning of effective political participation from everyone.”
Bashagha also confirmed that he would submit his government to the Libyan Parliament, for a vote of confidence, “at the specified time.” He pointed out that his assignment came, “after a historic agreement between the Parliament and the HCS.” He called on the Libyan people to support him.
The PM-designate stressed the necessity of holding the elections as scheduled and pledged not to run in the upcoming Presidential elections.
He pointed out that, “the process of transferring power will take place in accordance with legal and constitutional mechanisms, by peaceful means, and without obstacles.” He explained that Dbaiba is “a civil and respected figure who does not like wars, and believes in the peaceful transfer of power.”