Internationally recognised Libyan Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thinni is “aspiring” to sign a peace agreement with representatives of the Tripoli government in Morocco tomorrow.
Speaking during a press conference after a quick meeting with Prime Minister Joseph Muscat a few minutes ago, Mr al-Thinni said he was hopeful an agreement would be reached and his intentions were to help facilitate that process.
“It goes without saying that there will be a lot of discussions tomorrow and there are people in favour and against. We aspire to realise this agreement,” he said.
The two governments in Libya have been engaged in negotiations, mediated by UN special representative Bernardino Leon, for some nine months.
Asked if he felt the agreement would last, Mr al-Thinni was cautious, pointing to dissenting voices.
“There are war mongers who are supporting the extremists, and any decision taken will always have enemies, with special interests. However, the wise and kind people of Libya will to reach a solution.
“Every drop of Libyan blood spilt is a huge loss for either side as we are all Libyan,” he said.
Mr al-Thinni said he and his internationally recognised government had made numerous compromises along the way, but none of these had had any bearing on his government’s core beliefs.
“We have made concessions, but these are for the higher national interest,” he said.
Once of a unity government is formed it would be based in Tripoli, Mr al-Thinni said.
Asked if there were any favourites to head this new government, Mr al-Thinni was reluctant to name names.
“It is difficult to say any names. But due to provisions that this person would have to have a very popular support, I am confident that there will be a big backing and it will be the right person,” he said.
Mr al-Thinni said that once a unity government was set up, it would continue to fight against Islamic State.
“Any sane government would fight terror, and we have been fighting this for some time. This is a paramount importance for the safety and stability of Libya and the rest of the world. This is a fight we all must fight together,” he said.
He also said that despite no discussions on weapon hand over having been initiated, this would have to be planned out, for the safety for the Libyan people.