Former Libyan Prime Minister Fathi Bashagha revealed details of his first meeting with Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar. Bashagha made these statements during an Arabi Post podcast. Haftar is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The meeting took place in Benghazi before the government was formed. Bashagha confirmed Haftar requested only two things from him.
Bashagha stated he met Haftar only once. This meeting occurred before the government was formed. Bashagha added that Haftar insisted on two specific requests.
The first request concerned the government’s headquarters. Haftar told Bashagha, “If you form a government and succeed, I hope the next government headquarters will be in Sirte.”
Bashagha added that the second request was about the militia issue. According to Bashagha, Haftar said, “These militias are our sons. We will integrate them into the army. We will reform them. We do not want to punish or incriminate anyone.”
Bashagha pointed out the meeting took place in Benghazi. He emphasized, “This meeting was in Benghazi. I met him in Benghazi.” This statement referred to his period as head of the Libyan government. That government was formed by the House of Representatives.