The Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Army announces his support for the new Presidency of the House of Representatives in unifying state institutions

Haftar's position came after the House of Representatives elected, during a session held on Tuesday in the city of Benghazi, Representative Al-Salhin Abdulnabi as Speaker of the Council, succeeding Aguila Saleh, and the completion of the formation of the Presidency by electing Tariq Al-Ashtar as first deputy, and Misbah Douma as second deputy.

Haftar expressed his welcome for the election of Al-Salehin Abdulnabi to head the House of Representatives, along with his two deputies, Tariq Al-Ashtar and Misbah Douma, wishing them and the members of the new Presidency success in performing their duties in a way that serves the nation and the interests and aspirations of the Libyan people.

The Commander-in-Chief affirmed the armed forces’ respect for national institutions and their independence, and their keenness to support efforts that would enhance stability in the country and end the division between state institutions, leading to their unification.

Haftar stressed that preserving Libya and its unity represents a shared responsibility, calling for giving priority to the country’s best interest and working in a positive spirit that opens the way to a more stable phase, in which state institutions join forces to serve the citizen and protect the homeland.

The election of the new Presidency comes in light of transformations within the House of Representatives, years after Aguila Saleh assumed the presidency of the House, and in the wake of disagreements over the House’s management and its internal regulations.

In this context, Tariq Al-Ashtar was elected first vice president after obtaining 63 votes in the second round compared to 47 for his competitor, Al-Siddiq Hamouda, while it was unanimously agreed that Misbah Douma would continue as second vice-president of the Council. The Council's office was also completed with the election of Zayed Hadiya as rapporteur and Mohamed Tamer as deputy rapporteur.

Haftar's position puts the new Presidency at a stage related to the work of the legislative institution and its role in pushing towards the unification of state institutions, at a time when the country is still facing political and institutional division, while the General Command confirms that the regular work of institutions and respect for their independence represent part of the path of stability and state unity.