The Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, Field Marshal Khalifa Belqasim Haftar, affirmed that Libya is at a critical juncture that requires the Libyan people to act to save it from its political crisis. He stressed that the armed forces will stand with the people in their peaceful, organized movement to determine their destiny and build their state.
Meeting with Zintan Notables at Marshal Military City in Benghazi
This came during a speech delivered by Field Marshal Haftar during his meeting with the sheikhs and notables of the city of Zintan at Marshal Military City in Benghazi, where he welcomed them, expressing his pride in their patriotic stances and their historical role in preserving the country’s unity and stability.
Haftar said: “The city of Zintan, with its people and elders, represents one of the fundamental pillars of Libya’s stability and balance. Any position it takes has an impact that extends throughout the country due to its great national standing and weight.” He affirmed that their presence is proof of the unity of Libyans and their rejection of all calls for sedition and division.
The Struggle for Influence and Money is the Cause of the Political Crisis
The Commander-in-Chief explained that Libya, despite the sacrifices made by its people and the achievements of the armed forces in security and stability, still faces challenges that hinder the building of a sovereign, independent state.
He stated that the struggle for power and clinging to it for influence, money, and evading justice is the primary obstacle to the state-building process, which has led to the worsening of the political crisis and the continuation of chaos.
A Call for a Peaceful, Organized Movement Protected by the Army
Field Marshal Haftar added: “The time has come for the people to sound the alarm and assume their responsibility in a peaceful, organized movement protected by the armed forces, in which they clearly express their demands.” He stressed that the relevant authorities will be obligated to respond to these demands without delay, and that anyone who stands in the way of the people’s will “will be confronted by the armed forces.”
The Army Does Not Draw the Roadmap, but Places the Truth Before the People
Haftar affirmed that the General Command of the Armed Forces cannot act on behalf of the people in drawing the roadmap for state-building, but it is obligated to present the facts to them with all sincerity and clarity. He warned that the continuation of the current situation threatens the country’s unity, resources, economy, and sovereignty.
Affirmation of Libya’s Unity and Independence
Field Marshal Haftar concluded his speech by expressing his hope that the Libyan people will seize their right to self-determination and put an end to the political absurdity that has exhausted the country, saying: “We want to see a secure and stable Libya where the people live as masters of their land in security and peace, investing their wealth in development and construction.”
He also extended a salute of appreciation to the people of Zintan, affirming that the next meeting may, God willing, be held in their city when the country is in a better state.