Al-Watan Party: Libyans are ready to use arms to protect their revolution

02 April 2014
Source: Middle East Monitor

Islamist Libyan leader and head of Al-Watan Party Abdul-Hakim Belhaj said on Tuesday that his party would use weapons to protect the February revolution, Anadolu news agency reported.

"We will use arms to protect the goals and gains of the February Revolution," he asserted, to ensure that the country follows "the democratic path chosen by Libyans," adding that "we must accept political plurality that is governed by principles of transparency."

Belhaj stressed the importance of respecting the General National Conference, the parliamentary body that is chosen by the people. "Then, we should go to direct elections and hand over the authority to a new elected body," he said.

Regarding the national dialogue, he said that his party is "actively involved" in contributing to all of its political activities and social initiatives. He condemned "attempts to revive dictatorship, inciting violence and using force by certain sides, who are trying to forcefully impose their political agenda,"suggesting that this is the reason behind the current conflict in the country.

About a potential civil war, Belhaj commented that: "This is linked to the responses of the people who call for a coup against legitimacy." He appreciated the "awareness of the Libyans regarding the complications in the country despite the spread of weapons."

Belhaj accused certain sides of "attempting to drag the Libyans into an armed civil war." He said that Libyans are prepared to protect their revolution, democracy, state of law and justice.

"We refuse the interference of any international side that imposes guardianship or agendas on us," he said, insisting that, "we are able to run ourselves and to determine our own destiny."

Link:  www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/africa/10666-al-watan-party-libyans-are-ready-to-use-arms-to-protect-their-revolution.

Libyan parliament ousts Ali Zeidan's government

11 March 2014
Source: Middle East Monitor

The Libyan General National Congress passed a vote of no confidence in Ali Zeidan's government ousting it from power with 124 votes.

The Libyan News Agency quoted sources from the Congress saying National Congress appointed Defence Minister Abdullah Al-Thinni as temporary president for 15 days until a new president is elected.

The General National Congress, the highest political and legislative authority in Libya, had announced earlier its intention to vote to oust Ali Zeidan's government, according to Minister of Parliament Suad Gannur.
She also added: "The situation in the country has become unacceptable. Even those MPs who used to support the prime minister no longer have any alternative."

Zeidan's government has been repeatedly criticised for its failure to establish security in the country in the two years since the overthrow of Muammar Qaddafi's dictatorship in 2011.

It is also being criticised for failing to reach a solution to an oil crisis that has gone on for months after protestors closed down the main oil ports in an effort to export their first cargo without state supervision.
Zeidan, the independent backed by the Liberals, accuses the Islamists of wanting to overthrow him in order to seize control over Libya and refused to resign.

Link: www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/africa/10250-libyan-parliament-ousts-ali-zeidans-government.