The Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, confirmed that "the statements of the Minister of Higher Education regarding the fires in Al-Asabaa were hasty and not based on final investigations," stressing "the need to coordinate with the competent authorities before making any statements, to ensure the accuracy of information and prevent any confusion."
The Prime Minister's media office said in a statement: "Dbeibah is following the developments in Al-Asabaa, and we confirm that the statements issued by the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research regarding the causes of the fires were hasty and not based on final investigations, which may cause the dissemination of inaccurate information and stir up confusion, and he should have communicated with the competent authorities before making the statement."
The statement added: "The Prime Minister is in constant contact with the team in charge of the crisis, which includes the Minister of Local Government, the Head of the Criminal Investigation Department, the Head of the National Safety Authority, and the Head of the Internal Security Service, to ensure that investigations are completed in accordance with legal and technical frameworks."
He said the government confirms that it is cautious in issuing official statements to ensure accuracy, objectivity and the integrity of procedures, and its commitment to bearing its responsibilities toward those affected, in coordination with Al-Asabaa Municipal Council to compensate them according to fair and transparent mechanisms.”
The Minister of Higher Education, Omran Al-Qaib, visited Al-Asabaa, accompanied by a number of experts, academics and specialists from Libyan research centers and universities. He stressed that “the phenomenon of burning houses can be explained scientifically, pointing to a number of basic points: the necessity of dealing with the phenomenon in a scientific manner and avoiding explanations that are not based on scientific foundations, and scientific research teams installing advanced devices that operate around the clock to monitor gases in the affected areas, and to ensure the spread of methane gas in large quantities, which is a colorless and odorless gas but flammable.”
