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Al-Sarraj: Forces attacking Tripoli responsible for terrorists' reemergence
[Libya Observer] The Head of the Presidential Council Fayez al-Sarraj said terrorist cells have stepped up their activities over the last few months due to the recurrent military operations in different areas in Libya, adding that they have taken advantage of the security vacuum caused by ongoing fighting in Tripoli...a confusing city, one end of which is located in Lebanon and the other end of which is the capital of Libya. Its chief distinction is being mentioned in the Marine Hymn... "The attacking forces (Khalifa Haftar  ...Self-proclaimed Field Marshal, served in the Libyan army under Muammar Qadaffy, and took part in the coup that brought Qadaffy to power in 1969. He became a prisoner of war in Chad in 1987. While held prisoner, he and his fellow officers formed a group hoping to overthrow Qadaffy, so it's kind of hard to describe him as a Qadaffy holdover. He was released around 1990 in a deal with the United States government and spent nearly two decades in the United States, gaining US citizenship. In 1993, while living in the United States, he was convicted in absentia of crimes against the Jamahiriya and sentenced to death. Haftar held a senior position in the anti-Qadaffy forces in the 2011 Libyan Civil War. In 2014 he was commander of the Libyan Army when the General National Congress (GNC) refused to give up power in accordance with its term of office. Haftar launched a campaign against the GNC and its Islamic fundamentalist allies. His campaign allowed elections to take place to replace the GNC, but then developed into a civil war. Guess you can't win them all...'s forces) are to blame for the reemergence of turbans in Libya." al-Sarraj remarked as he addressed the attendees of the ceremony of Police Day 55th Anniversary. He added that the security arrangements started by the Interior Ministry before Tripoli offensive are still ongoing, saying the safety of people is a priority for his government. He hailed the acts of the Libyan Army forces and backup forces whom he said are defending building the civilian state. He also praised the police force for their work. "Libyans revolted against tyranny, totalitarianism, dictatorship and for a civilian and democratic state. We will continue to achieve the goals and no party can defeat the will of the people." al-Sarraj said. He reiterated that they will keep fighting till the attacking forces are defeated or retreated to their previous positions as before April 04, stressing the need for returning to the political process under the auspices of the UN, which he said goes along with his initiative for a national conference that sets up a constitutional basis for elections. "There's no political dialogue with those who call for dictatorship and committed war crimes." He explained. He promised to improve public services for Libyans by expanding expenditure in education, health, transportation and construction sectors. Related: Fayez Al-Sarraj: 2019-09-23 Libya's HCS urges Al-Sarraj to take measures against countries backing Haftar Fayez Al-Sarraj: 2019-09-19 Tripoli Protection Force rejects dialogue with "killers of Libyans" Fayez Al-Sarraj: 2017-07-08 Qatar isolation helped Haftar liberate Benghazi Related: Khalifa Haftar: 2019-10-07 Foreign drones of Haftar's forces strike Misrata Airport causing casualties, damage Khalifa Haftar: 2019-10-05 Libyan National Army strikes destroy Turkish drones in Mitiga, Misrata airports Khalifa Haftar: 2019-10-04 Militia groups kidnap seven women in Derna Posted by: Fred 2019-10-09 |
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