Field Marshal Haftar receives Gharyan delegation, affirms: Libyans alone have the right to decide the country’s future
Libya – The General Commander of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, Field Marshal Khalifa Belqasim Haftar, delivered a speech during his meeting with the sheikhs, elders and notables of the city of Gharyan, in which he welcomed the delegation and underscored the depth of the bonds between Libyans despite the difficult circumstances the country is going through.
Welcoming the Gharyan delegation and reaffirming Libyan unity
Field Marshal Haftar opened his address by saying: “We welcome you, esteemed gentlemen, from the dear city of Gharyan, and we hope you are well and in the best of health.” He added that the visit carries great significance as it reflects sincere sentiments of brotherhood, stressing that wherever a Libyan citizen sets foot on this blessed land, “he remains in his own home and among his own people and brothers, and is not a guest of anyone.” He noted that the concerns of the homeland, the citizen and the state, and the fractures and divisions afflicting its institutions, remain the foremost issue preoccupying everyone in these exceptional circumstances.
Military and development achievements versus areas still marginalized
The General Commander pointed to the major achievements realized in the east, center and south of the country – from defeating terrorism and building the national army, and the security, stability and development in construction and reconstruction that followed, to entrenching the authority of the state and extending its sovereignty. At the same time, he stressed that there are cities and villages still living in a state of security turmoil and deprived of development projects and basic services, as a result of the ongoing political division and the accompanying tug-of-war and bickering, which he described as falling short of the standards of fair and honourable political competition.
A political crisis threatening unity and obstructing progress
Field Marshal Haftar said that the political crisis has become “the defining feature of the current situation in Libya and the main obstacle to the democratic path aimed at producing authorities that derive their legitimacy directly from the people.” He warned that the repercussions of this crisis are approaching a red line and threaten the unity and future of the country. He affirmed that the crisis will continue to worsen so long as its remedy is sought “through paths that do not emanate from the will of the people.”
Call to reclaim the right to self-determination
The General Commander reiterated that “Libyans have only one option: to reclaim their usurped right to decide their own destiny,” and to chart a course that addresses the political crisis and builds the state they aspire to – one that safeguards the unity of the country, preserves the cohesion of society and guarantees the fulfilment of their aspirations for a dignified life.
Libyans are the decision-makers and reject any form of tutelage
Haftar stressed that “there is no one in this world more concerned for Libya than the Libyans themselves,” and that no party has the right to exercise tutelage over them or to assume the task of determining their fate on their behalf, emphasizing that they are best placed to distinguish what serves their interests from what harms them. He concluded his speech by renewing his welcome to the Gharyan delegation and praying that God protect the country and guide everyone to what is good and beneficial.
