Libya's Bashagha unveils initiative for national dialogue

TRIPOLI, Libya

Libya’s parliament-appointed Prime Minister Fathi Bashagha on Tuesday launched an initiative for national dialogue to resolve the country’s crisis.

The government "is launching this initiative to expand the scope of communication and participation with everyone,” Bashagha, a rival of Tripoli-seated Libyan government, told a press conference in the eastern city of Derna.

This initiative “reflects a desire to unify all efforts and prepare for a phase of construction,” he added.

Giving some details about his initiative, Bashagha said the drive targets all political, societal and military forces and aims to “agree on some values and national principles.”

"The government extends its hand to communicate with all streams, parties, political blocs and civil society organizations," he said, adding that his Cabinet is keen “on opening discussions and dialogue with the leaders of the military formations to bridge the gap of disagreement with some, dispel fears and clarify its program to others."

Tension has mounted in Libya since parliament in March gave confidence to a new government headed by Bashagha, a former interior minister, while Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh insists on remaining at his post as the country's prime minister.

Bashagha announced recently that his government would carry out its duties from the city of Sirte in anticipation of conflict if it attempted to enter the capital Tripoli.

* Writing by Mahmoud Barakat