Second presidential council member ends boycott of Libya's unity government

A member of Libya’s presidential council has said that he plans to end his boycott of the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord, giving a boost to the role of the internationally recognised-body. Ali Faraj Al-Gatrani’s decision came a few days after another boycotter, Omar Al-Aswad, announced that he was suspending his boycott.

According to Reuters, Gatrani made a statement on Saturday to the effect that his decision follows an invitation by Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj to attend a meeting on Sunday. Sarraj also heads the presidential council

However, Gatrani has reiterated concerns about the continuing political influence of armed groups in Libya. “Our top concern is the rights of the Barqa region and its people… whom we represent, along with their sons’ sacrifices in the police and the army,” he said.

Gatrani revealed that he had been surprised by the presidential council’s move from Tunis to Tripoli in March, even though the UN backed deal “states that the venue of presidential council meetings would be in the capital, Tripoli, only after the militias have left.” He insisted that calls to convene meetings will be ignored unless they are held in a city controlled by the regular army and police.

Last week, the presidential council said that it would resubmit a list of ministers to the parliament in the east, after lawmakers voted for a second time to reject it.