The House of Representatives issued a statement on Friday objecting to the lack of invitation for Prime Minister Osama Hamad’s government to prospective UN-brokered talks. The talks were announced by UN Special Envoy Abdoulaye Bathily as an effort to resolve outstanding issues related to Libya’s stalled election process.
“The House reiterates its rejection of any political dialogue or agreement failing to respect the Libyan will and elected institutions,” the statement read. While acknowledging the invitation from Bathily, the House expressed reservations over what it felt was a dismissal of its chosen government.
Appointed after the expiry of the interim government’s mandate, Hamad’s administration is regarded by the House as the legitimate executive authority. “Not inviting it to negotiations contravenes outcomes of the constitutional amendment and confidence vote,” the statement continued.
A preparatory meeting requested by Bathily asks for representatives from various stakeholder bodies – the Presidential Council, House of Representatives, High Council of State, and interim government.
Hamad’s government stated its surprise at interim PM Abdul Hamid Dbeibah’s inclusion in talks while its own exclusion. Deeming the former’s mandate expired, it rejected both Dbeibah and the Presidential Council’s participation outright.