Libya’s Sarraj: No end date to Libyan Political Agreement

The head of Libya’s UN-backed unity government, Fayez Al-Sarraj, yesterday denied that the 2015 Skhirat agreement has expired.

His comments came in response to remarks made by National Army Commander Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar on Sunday that the Libyan Political Agreement had come to an end and that the tenure of Sarraj’s government had also expired.

“Those who put obstacles will not prevent the national reconciliation government from performing its duty towards the citizens,” Al-Sarraj said in his statement referring to Haftar.

The prime minister renewed his commitment to holding elections in 2018, adding that he will not allow for a power vacuum which will be filled with chaos and violations and infiltrated by extremism and terrorism.

Read: East Libyan commander Haftar says will listen to ‘will of free Libyan people’

He called on the Libyans at home and abroad to register and participate in the elections.

The High National Electoral Commission has started preparing for the elections, he explained, adding that international observers will be present to oversee proceedings.

On Sunday, the UN envoy to Libya, Ghassan Salame, called on all Libyan parties not to undermine the political process. The envoy’s remarks came in parallel with expectations that tension in the country could rise following Haftar’s announcement that the political agreement has expired.