Libyan Gazette

31/12/2017

Libyan Red Crescent buried 36 unidentified bodies in Benghazi

On Saturday, the Libyan Red Crescent in Benghazi buried 36 unidentified bodies in the city's public cemeteries.

The head of media of the General Secretariat of the Libyan Red Crescent, Bahaa Al-Kawash, told Arraed LG that the bodies were in the fridge at the morgue in Benghazi medical hospital for more than 5 months and that they were buried after DNA samples were taken from them.

It is noteworthy that the official at the morgue at Benghazi medical, Ahmed Al-Amami, called for cooperation with the Red Crescent in order to accelerate the burial of unidentified bodies accumulated inside the refrigerator.

31/12/2017

Despite the fact that the political agreement stipulates that the House of Representatives and the Supreme Council of State must be approve the referendum law for the Constitution before the expiry of the Drafting Constitution Assembly’s mandate , the Assembly had adopted a draft constitution on July 29 but the two legislative bodies did not issue decisions on it.

However, after the adoption of the draft constitution, the Assembly sent the two houses a proposal for a referendum law to expedite the issuance of the decision. The Supreme Council of State had rushed to adopt the proposal after its amendment, while the HOR did not take follow...

Read on ArraedLG: https://www.arraedlg.com/the-referendum-law-is-a-pending-decision-between-the-supreme-council-of-state-the-hor/

Despite the fact that the political agreement stipulates that the House of Representatives and the S

29/12/2017

Supreme Council of the State member Musa F***j: We expect the House of Representatives to "take initiative" in order to complete the referendum law together

On Friday, a member of the Supreme Council of the State, Musa F***j, said that the House of Representatives and the Supreme Council of the State have exceeded the dates specified by the agreement on drafting the referendum law for the draft constitution due to the non-involvement of the House of Representatives and their inability to fulfil their responsibilities.

In a statement to Arraed LG F***j said that when the commission completed its draft and voted on it, they then sent it to the House of Representatives and the Supreme Council of the State. The commission prepared a draft of the referendum law, in cooperation with a team of legal members of the House of Representatives and members of the High Electoral Commission. The commision then sent this draft to the Supreme Council of the state, that mandated the Council's Legal Committee to review the draft, which made some amendments and corrections.

F***j added that political agreement mandates that House of Representatives and the Supreme Council of the State are in agreement; stressing that they agree on the wording adopted by the Supreme Council of the State.

F***j emphasized that the Supreme Council of the State is waiting for House of Representatives to take initiative and declare that they have formed a legal committee consisting of two committees from the two chambers conducted over two or three days in order to unify the language. He noted that the law is a technicality to control the referendum process and no more. The draft has been contributed by the Commission, and it knows best what is required to hold a referendum in a manner that is easy and transparent.

29/12/2017

Sirte Security Force dismantle 4 mines in the city

On Friday, the Engineering team of the Sirte Security Force managed to dismantle four landmines inside the city.

On the official page of the operation the media center for the force mentioned that two shells were found in Al-Aqas area, a third in Al-Dhahir area and a fourth near Ben Hamal mosque.

It should be noted that the Sirte Security Force was charged with securing the city following its’ liberation from ISIS.

28/12/2017

On Thursday, the Shura Council and Dignitaries of Tawergha welcomed the Presidential Council’s announcement regarding the return of the people of Tawergha to their homes in early February.

The Council released a statement calling on all Tawerghans to renounce strife, and to reunite and forget the past.

The Council also expressed its gratitude to all those who sought reconciliation efforts in order to achieve and establish the rule of law and institutions.

It is noteworthy that last June the Presidential Council adopted the agreement signed between the dialogue committees on Misrata and Tawergha, which requires the return of the Tawergha refugees to their city and reparation to the relevant parties.

Read ArraedLG: https://www.arraedlg.com/shura-council-and-dignitaries-of-tawergha-welcome-the-presidential-councils-announcement-regarding-the-return-of-the-people-of-tawergha-to-their-city/

28/12/2017

UN envoy to Libya: We aim to organize a credible election

UN special envoy to Libya, Ghassan Salameh said the UN mission is seeking to register 1 million new voters in the voter register to give greater credibility to the elections.

Salame told Saudi newspaper Al-Hayat on Thursday, that the previous elections were not credible enough with a participation rate of only 17 percent, adding that there were MPs elected withonly 200 to 300 votes, which is not normal.

The UN envoy to Libya explained that the date of the elections is determined when the technical and security conditions are met, the adoption of an election law and everyone pledging to accept the outcome of the election in advance.

Salame said that the political class does not want to run in the elections, but wants to keep things as it is. He expressed his pleasure with the increase in voter registration by 4 times in the southern region, 3 times in the west and two times in the eastern region with a greater rate of youth participation than the previous elections.

When asked about holding a meeting with Saif Al-Islam Al-Gaddafi, the head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said that dealing with him is not within his specialty because of his problem with the International Court (IC), adding that he did not seek to attain any information about him, stressing that the objective of the mission is reconciliation between Libya’s three eras, the royal , the Gaddafi and the revolution era.

Salame stressed that the supporters of the former regime have a place reserved in a civil and democratic system if they renounce weapons and their desire to reproduce the system itself, noting that the UN mission will return permanently to Libya in early 2018.

It is noteworthy that the High National Elections Commission has announced, the beginning of December, the start of voter registration, and the update of its voter register; in preparation for the upcoming elections.

28/12/2017

Head of Tawergha local council: 5 prisoners released in goodwill gesture

The Reform and Rehabilitation foundation in Tamina , Misurata released five prisoners from the city of Tawergha, on Wednesday.

The head of Tawergha local council, Abdulrhman Al-Shakshak told ArraedLG that the release is a gesture and a proof of good faith from the dialogue committee between the two sides and comes within the framework of the reconciliation agreement between the two cities, adding that there are efforts to release more in the coming future.

Al-Shakak also said that the implementation of the agreement with the Presidential Council (PC) on the return of the people of Tawergha to their city is going well, stressing the importance of using decent speech and giving priority to the consensual discourse to complete the process of reconciliation.

The head of the PC, Faiz Al-Sarraj announced the 1st of February as the scheduled date for the return of the people of Tawergha to their city, in confirmation with the reconciliation agreement between the representatives of the cities of Misurata and Tawergha.

28/12/2017

142 migrants deported through Misurata international airport

The illegal immigration agency announced the deportation of 142 illegal immigrants from Guinea Conakry.

The media adviser to the illegal immigration agency, Milad Al-Saadi told ArraedLG that the migrants were transferred from Zwara airport to Misurata international airport and from there they were deported to their country.

Al-Saadi also said that the agency has deported about 3,200 illegal migrants of Nigerien nationality in cooperation with their embassy and in coordination with the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Al-Saadi pointed out that the agency has completed all travel documents extraction procedures for about 254 illegal immigrants of Moroccan nationality, at the headquarters of the agency in Tariq Al-Sika in Tripoli, to facilitate their voluntary return to their country.

Al-Saadi previously told ArraedLG that some 30,000 illegal immigrants entered the shelter centers of the illegal immigration agency inside Libya in 2017.

27/12/2017

Justice and Construction Party: We affirm the right of all migrants and displaced people to return to their homes

On Wednesday, the Justice and Construction Party welcomed the President of the Presidential Council of the Government of National Accord, Fayez Al-Sarraj, announcement regarding the return of the people of Tawergha to their city in early February.

In a statement, the party expressed that national reconciliation is a necessity in order to reach stability. Additionally, the party reiterated its support for a reconciliation approach to achieve security and unity.

The party stressed the need for the peaceful return of all migrants and displaced people to their homes. They also commended the efforts of the reconciliation committees of Misrata and Tawergha, who have reached an agreement which is to be implemented to allow for the return of the people of Tawergha to their homes and the restoration of security and stability.

The party also stressed the need for the Presidential Council to put in place mechanisms to implement the agreement in a timely manner; calling for the reconstruction of the city of Tawergha and provision of the basic conditions needed for a decent living.

As well as that, the party appealed to civil institutions to create the necessary environment to support the return of those displaced, calling on the media to adopt a reconciliatory speech in order to achieve reconciliation in the community.

27/12/2017

As per Reuters- it was reported that on Tuesday, several armed men blew up a pipeline that pumps oil to the port of Sidra, cutting Libya’s output by up to 100,000 barrels per day (bpd), as reported by military and oil sources. The cause of the blast was unclear, they added.

Read on ArraedLG: https://www.arraedlg.com/a-military-source-told-reuters-gunmen-blew-up-a-pipeline-that-transports-oil-feeds-to-the-port-of-sidra/

27/12/2017

The Support Mission in Libya welcomes the announcement by the Presidential Council of the return of the refugees in early February, calling for "the translation of promises into action."

President of the Presidential Council Fayez Al-Sarraj announced at a press conference Tuesday that the date of the return of the Tawergha to their city will be February 1, 2018, confirming the reconciliation agreement between representatives of and .

Read on ArraedLG: https://www.arraedlg.com/the-un-support-mission-in-libya-welcomes-the-announcement-by-the-presidential-council-of-the-return-of-the-tawergha-refugees-in-early-february/

24/12/2017

On Sunday, US President Donald Trump congratulated President Fayez al-Sarraj on the anniversary of Libya's independence and his continued support for the GNA and for Libyans seeking national reconciliation.

Trump explained that the political agreement is the only viable framework for solving the Libyan crisis in the transitional period, indicating that this process would prevent ISIS and the terrorists from having a sanctuary in Libya.

Read more on: https://www.arraedlg.com/us-president-donald-trump-we-support-the-gna-and-the-libyans-in-the-pursuit-of-political-reconciliation/

24/12/2017

Adoption of the Charter of Peaceful Coexistence between the components of Southern Libya

On Saturday, South Libyan community leaders and tribesmen, as well as the members of the southern municipal councils, political activists, local mediators and civil society organizations adopted the Peaceful Coexistence Charter in Fezzan, for a reconciliation pact under the auspices of the United Nations Mission in Libya.
At the three-day forum in Tunis, the participants agreed on a set of principles and mechanisms for local and national reconciliation, per the official UN Mission in Libya.

Read more on :https://www.arraedlg.com/adoption-of-the-charter-of-peaceful-coexistence-between-the-components-of-southern-libya/

23/12/2017

Local Council of Tawergha denies that protesters stormed the Presidential Council’s headquarters in Tripoli

The head of the local council of Tawergha, Abdul Rahman Shakshak, denied that protesters from Tawergha stormed the Presidential Council’s headquarters in Tripoli.

Shakshak said that the demonstration today is purely civil, organized by the people and civil society organizations in Tawergha to demand their right to return to their homes after years of living inside camps, following useless promises given to them.

Shakshak added that the protestors directly communicated with the President of the Presidential Council; adding that the Council allowed them into the headquarters to listen to their demands, denying any forceful intrusion.

Shakshak said that the people of Tawergha are living in terrible conditions inside the camps, especially in light of the volatile weather conditions and the lack of resources inside the camps, pointing out to the arrival of humanitarian assistance from several municipalities, local and international organizations.

Shakakak appealed to the Presidential Council, the people of Misrata, and all parties concerned to complete the reconciliation agreement signed between Tawergha and Misrata.

The protesters of Tawergha staged a protest on Thursday in front of the headquarters of the Presidential Council condemning the living conditions in the camps and demanding their right to return to their homes.

22/12/2017

Italy receives first group of migrants deported from Libya

Italian Interior Minister, Marco Minetti, and the Italian Archbishop received a number of African refugees deported from Libya.

The migrants received were a part of those "entitled to international protection". The group consisted of 160 refugees from the "most vulnerable" group- being women, children, and the elderly. The migrants were previously held in Libya's immigration shelters as set by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Aki news agency reported that the Italian Church facilitated the assistance and protection process for these migrants who are faced with "tragic conditions", alike thousands of immigrants in the shelters in Libya.

It is noteworthy that some European countries have expressed their willingness to receive illegal migrants from Libya.

21/12/2017

British ambassador to Libya Peter Millett: Libyans are only ones who can have a say in choosing the governor of the Central Bank of Libya

On Wednesday, British ambassador to Libya, Peter Millett, said that Libyans are only ones who can have a say in choosing the governor of the Central Bank of Libya; expressing Britain’s readiness to work with those who "agreed to the choice without compromising the political agreement."

21/12/2017

France renews its support for the GNA and the United Nations Road Map in Libya

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian reiterated his country's support for the Government of National Accord and the UN road map and stressed their keenness to achieve security and stability in Libya.

Le Drian agreed with the President of the Presidential Council, Fayez Al-Sarraj, during their meeting in Tripoli on Thursday to increase cooperation and coordination in order to track smugglers inside and outside Libya and to support the airlifting of illegal immigrants out of Libya. Le Drian pointed out the possibility of persuading the countries of origin to receive their citizens and to find a solution to the migrant crisis in a comprehensive manner.

On the other hand, Al-Sarraj explained that the Libyans are victims of the migrant crisis and that the responsibility for confronting this phenomenon lies with all parties. He called on France to contribute and support the security services in order to secure and monitor the borders of southern Libya.

Al-Sarraj expressed his willingness to accept the agreement of the House of Representatives and the Supreme Council of the State, stressing his support for the efforts of the UN envoy Ghassan Salame. He also added that the GNA is continuing to prepare for the elections next year.

Following his meeting with Al-Sarraj, Le Drian met with Khalifa Haftar, the Commander of Operation Dignity. Le Drian told Haftar that he should respect the UN-sponsored peace process in Libya. In a press release following the meeting in Benghazi, Le Drian told reporters that he “told Hafter that there is no alternative to the UN plan, and [that he] must put [himself] at the service of [his] country”, according to Reuters.

21/12/2017

Member of HOR Fathi Bashagha: if there is no guarantee of the political agreement then there is no legitimacy to the HOR

On Thursday, a member of the HOR Fathi Bashagha, said that the protection of the political agreement is what gives legitimacy to the existence of the HOR, and without it, there can be no legal recognition locally or internationally.

Read on Arraed LG: https://www.arraedlg.com/member-of-hor-fathi-bashagha-if-there-is-no-guarantee-of-the-political-agreement-then-there-is-no-legitimacy-to-the-hor/

21/12/2017

On Thursday, during the Southern reconciliaition forum, the UN envoy to Libya, Ghassan Salame, stated that the south of Libya plays a key role in national unity, in the unity of Libyan soil and the protection of its borders.

On Thursday, Salame mentioned on the mission’s twitter account, that the mission’s goal for the coming year is to double their efforts in the south. Adding that they have began the reparation of hospitals in Ubari, as well as the schools and university of Sabha, under the auspices of the United Nations projects in Libya.

It should be noted that the United Nations Mission has provided a project called "Libya Stabilization Fund" in cooperation with the GNA to help municipalities improve the services provided to citizens.

20/12/2017

Fayez Al-Sarraj calls on ministers of the GNA to create the necessary conditions for holding elections

On Wednesday, the President of the Presidential Council, Fayez Al-Sarraj, called on his cabinet ministers to work to create the necessary conditions for holding elections next year.

During their meeting, Al-Sarraj discussed the issues of education, transportation, energy, local governance, labor, rehabilitation, social affairs, and displaced peoples.

Al-Sarraj approved a number of memoranda submitted by the ministers regarding the study and design of a number of service projects, ways of solving issues in municipal facilities, and the adoption of the organizational structure of the Ministry of Economy and Industry.

The Council of Ministers of the Government of National Accord held their ninth meeting for 2017 at the Prime Minister's Office. The meeting was headed by the President of the Presidential Council and attended by the members of the Presidential Council.

The Electoral Commission had announced earlier this month the start of registration for voters and the update of the electoral register in preparation for the elections to be held next year.

20/12/2017

On Wednesday, the UN mission stated that Article 15 of the Libyan political agreement requires that the House of Representatives and the the Supreme Council of the State consult before deciding who would occupy any sovereign position in the state.

Read on Arraed LG:http://ow.ly/Zy9350fOTQ1

20/12/2017

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Libya, Roberto Mignone, said that New Zealand and other Western countries had agreed to resettle some refugees and asylum seekers that are stranded in Libya.

Read on Arraed LG: https://www.arraedlg.com/unhcr-western-countries-have-agreed-to-resettle-migrants-in-libya-in-their-countries/

20/12/2017

The House of Representatives elect Mohammed Al-Shukri as governor of the Central Bank and decision is met with resistance

In a meeting on Tuesday the House of Representatives announced the appointment of Mohammed Al-Shukri as the new governor of the Central Bank of Tripoli. Al-Shukri received 54 votes in a session with quorum.

Mansour Al-Hasadi, a member of the Supreme Council of the State, told Arraed LG that the House of Representatives electing the governor of the Central Bank of Libya is contrary to the political agreement, which stipulates that the selection of positions of must be done in consultation with the Supreme Council of the State.

Al-Hasadi said that the choice of the governor is in violation of the law and will increase the political and economic division and fragmentation of Libya; adding that he is not questioning the character of Al-Shukri.

Al-Hasadi expressed his surprise by the House of Representatives contradictions, explaining that they had already fired the former governor, Al-Sadiq Al-Kabir and that they have appointed Ali Al-Habri as an alternative to him, and thus, how can they now choose another alternative governor.

In turn, the Central Bank of Libya added that they also reject the House of Representatives decision to choose a new governor.

In a statement posted on their official page, the Central Bank said according to the political agreement, consensus is the basis and sole reference point; yet, the HOR violated that premise.

The CBL added that their position regarding the HOR’s decision is not for the sake of maintaining or defending a position, but rather, it is out of respect for and compliance with the political agreement- as it is considered to be the only document governing the state.

19/12/2017

Algeria refuses to accept Khalifa Haftar’s announcement regarding the termination of the political agreement

Algeria rejected Operation Dignity’s commander, Khalifa Hatfar, announcement regarding the termination of the political agreement sponsored by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya.

Algerian Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia told the head of the presidential council, Fayez Al-Sarraj, that his country refused Haftar’s announcement during his visit last Sunday to Algeria- according to Sputnik.

The foreign ministers of Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt have also announced their support for the Libyan political agreement and the efforts of the United Nations envoy to Libya, Ghassan Salame, and their rejection of a military solution.

19/12/2017

Faiez Al-Sarraj, President of the Presidential Council of the GNA, said that the political agreement expires when the handover of power to an elected body of the people takes place.

On Sunday, Al-Sarraj said in a statement on the second anniversary of the signing of the political agreement that his government is continuing its work, despite some hindrance, of their duty towards the citizens.

Read on : https://www.arraedlg.com/faiez-al-sarraj-the-political-agreement-ends-with-the-handover-of-power-to-an-elected-body-of-the-people/

19/12/2017

Member of the HOR Saleh Qulma said to Arraed LG that the UN envoy Ghassan Salame is expected to meet with President of the HOR Aguila Saleh, and the hearing will start after their meeting.

The agenda of today's session includes the amendment of the constitutional declaration, the selection of a first deputy chairman of the council, and the selection of a governor of the Central Bank of Libya.

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19/12/2017

HOR, JCP, Ministry of Interior of the GNA, Turkish Foreign Ministry, and French Foreign Ministry condemn the assassination of the mayor of Misrata

The House of Representatives, the Justice and Construction Party, the Ministry of Interior of the Government of National Accord, the Turkish Foreign Ministry, and the French Foreign Ministry all condemned the assassination of the mayor of Misrata, Mohamad Eshtewi.

The French Foreign Ministry described the incident as a cowardly action that targeted a figure known for moderation and stressed the need for an urgent political solution in Libya.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry echoed a similar sentiment suggesting that the assassination is an attempt to undermine stability.

The French and Turkish Foreign Ministries and the HOR offered their condolences to the families of the Brigadier General, the people of Misrata, and the Libyan people as a whole.

The HOR, the JCP, and the Turkish Foreign Ministry asked that the perpetrators be brought to justice; with the JCP calling for severe punishments to be served.

In turn, the Ministry of Interior of the GNA released a statement on its’ page saying that investigations are underway to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

Eshtawi was assassinated on Sunday by unknown assailants while returning from a working visit to Turkey. He was elected as the mayor of Misrata in 2014 and held office for three years.

18/12/2017

Egypt and Tunisia discuss the latest developments in Libya

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Tunisian President Béji Caid Essebsi met in Tunis to discuss the latest developments in Libya.

During the meeting, Shoukry reviewed Egypt’s efforts in supporting the political process and Ghassan Salame’s plan, in addition to supporting the unification of Libyan military institutions.

Shoukry stressed the importance of the concerted efforts of Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria to meet the security challenges and the dangers of terrorism in Libya, according to the official page of the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

He also warned of the return of ISIS from Syria and Iraq to Libya and its neighboring countries.

It is noteworthy that the ministers of Tunisia, Egypt, and Algeria had confirmed during a meeting on Sunday in Tunisia their support for the comprehensive political settlement in Libya and their rejection of external interference in its’ internal affairs.

18/12/2017

The Director of the Media Office of the Municipal Council of Misrata, Khaled Rufaida, confirmed the murder of the Mayor of the Municipality, Mohamad Eshtewi, after being kidnapped by unknown suspects in front of the Misrata airport. The assailants had dumped his body next to Al-Safwa hospital in the city.

The spokesperson for the Misrata hospital, Dr. Akram Gliwan, told Arraed LG that upon arrival the body of Mohamed Eshtewi had traces of bullet wounds to the head and foot.

The municipal council announced that there would be three days of observance to mourn the death of their mayor Mohamed Eshtawi.

Abu Bakr Al-Hareesh, a member of the Municipal Council of Misrata condemned the assassination and described the act as "cowardly". In addition, the Presidential Council and the UN envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame also condemned the assassination and expressed their deep sorrow for the loss.

The Italian embassy in Libya stated that Misrata will follow in the footsteps of its departed leader and strive for peace.

In addition, Fathi Bashaga, a member of HOR of Misurata called on the people of Misrata to stand in a unity in order to support security and justice, and to bring the perpetrators to justice for their punishment.

18/12/2017

On Sunday the National High Electoral Commission (NEC) announced that the number of registered voters in the electoral register system has exceeded 14,000 voters so far; including 9,320 men and 4,698 women.

The President of Justice and Construction Party Mohamed Sawan announced that the referendum on the draft constitution is needed to reach the elections which are to be held next year.

18/12/2017

President of the Presidential Council, Fayez Al-Sarraj, arrived in Algeria and met with Algerian Prime Minister, Ahmed Ouyahia, in the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdelkader Messahel and his Libyan counterpart Mohamed Siala.

Algerian Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia, stressed that the political agreement is the only viable method for achieving political consensus and that it bears the mechanisms to resolve any political blockage. He also ruled out the military solution to the Libyan crisis.

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