Libyans dispute over military, security leadership

By Khaled Jabbar TUNIS, Oct 22 (KUNA) -- Despite weeks of optimistic dialogue, Libyans conversing over issues of dispute in their country have reached a new obstacle blocking the way for national unity.
The eighth article of the (Al-Shuqairat Accord), signed 2015 under UN sponsorship, focused on putting matters related to the military and security in the hands of the cabinet. This issue might be the deal-breaker for all the efforts aimed at unifying Libya.
The Government of National Accord, based in Tripoli, and the 2012-elected House of Representatives, in the eastern city of Tobruk, have been working on finding a solution to the current dilemma; however, the House of Representative delegation withdrew from the meetings sending the whole process into limbo.
The Tobruk delegation said that the authority of assigning military and security leadership in Libya should be in the hands of the proposed Presidential council and no other authority.
Member of Tobruk delegation Osama Al-Shafee said that the new Libyan government should include all sectors of Libyan society. He blamed the Government of National Accord for ruining efforts for unity.
On its part, the High Council of State, the advisory body in Libya, renewed its commitment to bring security and peace to the country after years of conflict.
The council called on all involved parties to look into means to find solutions to issues of dispute including the issue of who will choose the military and security chiefs.
Ghassan Salame of Lebanon, Head of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), along with parties of dispute in Libya had been working together to reach an agreement to bring unity amongst Libyans. The UNSMIL was founded on September 16, 2011. (end) ksj.gta