Dbeibeh, US envoy discuss ways to prevent violence in Libya

By Moataz Wanees
TRIPOLI, Libya (AA) – Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh on Thursday met with US Ambassador Richard Norland for talks on developments in the war-torn nation.

Norland said on Twitter he discussed with Dbeibeh "the current political situation with a particular focus on preventing any outbreak of violence."

"I urged the immediate re-opening of Libya's airspace to domestic flights," Norland said, stressing the importance “of participating in good faith mediation efforts to help Libya maintain stability."

The meeting also dwelt on the Libyan oil issue and "the responsible distribution of Libya's oil wealth for the benefit of all the Libyan people."

Libya is witnessing a deep political rift as the Tobruk-based parliament in early March gave confidence to a new government headed by former Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha while Dbeibeh insists on continuing with his post and duties as prime minister.

As a result of differences about electoral laws and the role of the judiciary in the electoral process, the country could not hold presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for Dec. 24, 2021.

Writing by Ahmed Asmar