Cyrenaica Society of eastern Libya hails Al-Sirraj’s peace initiative

The Libyan Cyrenaica Society has welcomed the initiative proposed Sunday by the Head of the Presidential Council of the Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez Al-Sirraj who announced a quest to hold a Libyan National Conference that leads to constitutional basis, Parliament and president elections under the auspices of the UN.

The Cyrenaica Society called in a statement on the eastern region’s elders, dignitaries, politicians, activists and others to be part of this initiative in order to pave the way for holding a constitution referendum and then elections.

“National reconciliation and transitional phase will help Libya reach the goal of having a civilian state.” The statement explained.

The Cyrenaica Society was formed in May 2019 in a meeting for Al-Sirraj with eastern region’s elders and dignitaries.

United Nations Hails Sirraj’s Initiative 

UNSMIL has welcomed the peace initiative proposed Sunday by Al-Sirraj, saying in a statement on Sunday, following the proposal, that it also welcomes any other initiative by Libya’s major actors to end the country’s long state of conflict.

“Fayez Al-Sirraj today announced a constructive proposal to advance the political process towards ending Libya’s long state of conflict. UNSMIL welcomes the initiative, and any other initiative proposed by any of Libya’s major actors and offers its good offices to assist the country to emerge from its long state of transition towards a period of peace, stability and prosperity.” UNSMIL wrote on its Facebook page.

What’s the Initiative?

Al-Sirraj has proposed holding a Libyan National Conference “Multaqa Watani” under the supervision of UN mission in the country to pave the way for a constitutional basis for elections, which  he said should be held in 2019.

Al-Sirraj added on Sunday in a press conference in Tripoli that the national conference will include all Libyans who are willing to build a civilian state, democracy, peace, and unity, saying it will exclude the Libyan parties that are advocating for military rule, dictatorship, and totalitarian rule.

War on Tripoli Must End 

The GNA’s PM indicated that their forces have been very successful in foiling the destruction and militarization of Tripoli by defending it against the attacking forces of “warlord Khalifa Haftar.”

He also deplored the killing of civilians and the airstrikes on civilian, public and private properties by Haftar’s forces, saying such acts are considered war crimes.

“GNA has requested a war crimes’ probe into the airstrikes and shelling of civilian areas and of public and private properties by Haftar’s forces in order to hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions.” Al-Sirraj added.