Paris wants Libyans to decide the way forward after Al-Sarraj's departure
Paris, France (PANA) - The spokesperson for the the French foreign ministry says that it is up to Libyans to decide the future of the country when the prime minister Fayez Al-Sarraj resigns by the end of October.
Al-Sarraj, who is the President of the Presidential Council of the Government of National Accord (GNA), announced on 16 September, to bow out no later than the end of October.
“France takes note of the statements made by the President of the Presidential Council, Fayez Al-Sarraj. It is up to Libyans, and to them alone, to decide the political future of their country,” Agnès von der Mühll, director of communication and media of the French foreign ministry said.
He said that France is committed to ensuring that the inter-Libyan political dialogue, "which has seen encouraging developments in recent days", progresses in an inclusive manner and under the aegis of the United Nations and that these discussions "must lead to the end of foreign interference and the organization of elections within the parameters approved by Libyans".
The announcement of the resignation of Mr. al-Sarraj comes against the backdrop of the resumption of the Libyan political process in order to reach a solution.
There have also been demonstrations in the country denouncing the deterioration of living conditions, poor service delivery and corruption of the political elite.
Libya plunged into chaos after the overthrow and killing of long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi during the Arab Spring in 2011.
The chaos intensified with clashes between troops loyal to the internationally-recognised GNA and the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Marshal Khalifa Haftar with a death toll of more than 1,000 and 128,000 displaced.
The two protagonists are supported by third countries: Turkey and Qatar helping the GNA and the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Russia helping LNA.
-0- PANA BM/IS/KND/MA 26Sept2020
