UN voices concern over Libya parliament vote on new PM
- Last updated: March 3, 2022 | 10:47
Gulf Today Report
The United Nations voiced concern on Thursday over reports that a vote in Libya's parliament to install a new government, a move that may trigger new fighting or a return to territorial division, "fell short of the expected standards".
An emailed statement from the UN secretary general's spokesperson said there were reports that the vote did not meet standards of transparency and procedure, and that there were acts of intimidation before the session.
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The position of international powers will be key in the coming tussle for power between the incumbent administration of interim prime minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah, and the government newly installed under Fathi Bashagha.
Meanwhile, the man chosen by Libya's parliament as the new prime minister told the media that he expects to take office in Tripoli peacefully despite the incumbent's vow to hold onto power.
The parliament will swear in Fathi Bashagha as prime minister on Thursday but the head of the current interim government, Abdulhamid Al Dbeibah, has refused to cede control, raising the prospect of fighting.
"There will be no use of force, neither by us nor the existing government," Bashagha said in an interview.
"Tomorrow the oath will be taken before the House of Representatives and then I will go to Tripoli," he said, adding that there would be arrangements to ensure a "normal and smooth" transition.