Hardly mentioned in local media and rarely appearing in person, Major Hassan Maatouk is being groomed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a possible leading role within General Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA). Since the LNA lost its offensive to take Tripoli last June, when it retreated instead to the Sirte-Jufra region, there have been whispers about the fate of the octogenarian general and whether he could continue his divisive role in war-torn Libya.
The Municipality of Hai A-Andalus is planning to switch to solar energy to provide homes in the district with its electricity needs.
As the electricity blackouts continue, municipal officials revealed that they are studying the possibility of installing solar panels at homes, seeking private financing to implement the project.
The municipality officials met with the Nucleus Company specialized in solar energy, and representatives from the Jumhouria Bank.
Turkey's Defense Minister Hulusi Akar received Monday the commander of Libya's Naval Forces in the capital Ankara, according to a statement by the Turkish Defense Ministry.
The statement said that in his meeting with Chief of Naval Staff Abdul Hakim Abu Huliya, Hulusi Akar said Turkey stood by Libya's legitimate government, which is recognized by the UN, to ensure peace and lasting stability in the country.
The Acting UN envoy to Libya, Stephanie Williams, met Monday with Eunavfor Med “IRINI Operation” commander, admiral Agostini and welcomed recent efforts at enforcing the arms embargo in Libya after intercepting a UAE vessel bringing military support for Khalifa Haftar in Libya in violation of the UN arms embargo.
Williams recalled Berlin participants’ commitments to respect relevant UN Resolutions and urged them to fulfill their responsibilities.
UNSMIL expressed Sunday grave concern regarding reports that one civilian was killed, three were injured, and a number of other demonstrators were arrested on September 12 following the reported excessive use of force by eastern authorities loyal to Khalifa Haftar against peaceful demonstrators in the city of Al-Marj.
In a statement, UNSMIL called for a thorough and immediate investigation into these incidents and for the speedy release of all those arbitrarily arrested and detained.
Libyan Defense Minister, Salah Al-Namroush said that the Speaker of Tobruk Parliament, Aqila Saleh, has no authority in reality as Khalifa Haftar is the real boss on the ground.
Talking to the "Libya Al-Ahrar" channel, on Sunday, the defense minister confirmed that they have doubts regarding Haftar's commitment to the cease-fire.
The Interim Government headed by Abdullah Al-Thani, a parallel administration based in eastern Libya, has resigned amid mounting anger and protests for the third straight day in the eastern region.
Al-Thani's resignation was submitted on Sunday to the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Tobruk, Aqila Saleh, according to a statement by the Tobruk-based HoR.
