Libya’s Sowan Meets British Ambassador, Delegation to Discuss Political Situation

Mohamed Sowan, head of Libya’s Justice and Construction Party, met Wednesday Peter Millett, British Ambassador; and the British Prime Minister’s envoy; along with the British Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ director for the Middle East and Africa.

The meeting focused on the political situation in Libya and the recent fallout regarding the application of the political agreement, especially the House of Representatives, the Presidency Council and the international community’s role in supporting the success of the political agreement, in addition to hearing the parties to the dialogue to be held in Tunisia on the fifth and sixth of September.

Speaking of the recent repercussions, Sowan reiterated that the political agreement is the framework that all parties must commit to, and that the international community should provide support accordingly and take a clear position toward countries that support parties or groups that work against the agreement.

Sowan further affirmed that the spilt at the parliament and its non-commitment to the political agreement (from which it derives its legitimacy) and the fact that the parliament is not fulfilling its duties, are a real obstacle for other bodies emanating from the agreement, which prevent them from performing their tasks properly.

With regard to suggestions – by certain parties – for amendments to the political agreement, Sowan explained that amending any item of the political agreement will open the door to yet more amendments and thus the collapse of the entire agreement.

In remarks about complaints of difficulty of agreement among parties within the Presidency Council – allegedly due to the large number of members, Sowan said he expected that with all members of the Presidency Council, there would be difficulties establishing a consensus, especially with regard to details and particulars, but resolving core issues, such as oil, security or national reconciliation should be fast-tracked by the Presidency Council. Those issues are the basis on which we judge the success of the Council and the agreement as a whole.

The party chief also praised the great sacrifices made by Al-Bonyan Al-Marsos forces, and attributed the achievement of these victories against ISIS (Daesh) to the group’s strength and resolve, to the people’s support for them, and to the efforts of the Presidency Council in providing domestic and international support.

As for the meeting with the Tunisia dialogue team, Sowan explained that the most important issue, at the top of the agenda, is to solve the problem of the parliament and its commitment to the application of the political agreement, especially with regard to articles 16, 17 and 18.

Meanwhile, the British delegation stressed their continued support for the political agreement, and added that they will play a positive role to put pressure on obstructionists and countries that support them.