Al-Gharyani renews rejection of the “4+4” deal and accuses the UN mission and Washington of backing a power-sharing arrangement
LIBYA – Sadiq Al-Gharyani, the General National Congress’s mufti whom the House of Representatives dismissed, renewed his rejection of the “4+4” agreement, arguing that it had not obtained the approval required under the political agreement amid the High Council of State’s rejection of it, speaking on the “Islam and Life” programme on his Tanasuh channel, which Al-Marsad followed and summarised.
Accusations against the UN mission and Washington
Al-Gharyani accused the United Nations mission and the United States of returning to what he called the “Boulos deal” to share power between the Tripoli government and the General Command, warning the government against being deceived by these arrangements and arguing that it would be the first to suffer from them if they went ahead, according to his claim.
Warning that revolutionaries may resort to violence
He warned that imposing these arrangements by force and transferring state institutions and assets to what he described as military rule in Sirte could push the revolutionaries to resort to violence and a wide armed confrontation, calling that self-defence, in his words.
Accusations against the Central Bank over soft-drink LCs
Al-Gharyani then turned to criticising the Central Bank of Libya, accusing it of obstructing what he described as charitable work and humanitarian aid and tightening oversight of bodies supporting the poor, education and relief, while allowing large financial credits for commercial companies.
He mentioned the “African Soft Drinks” company, which he said had previously carried the name “Pepsi Cola”, claiming it had changed its name after fatwas and warnings from the Scientific Research Council over ties he said linked its founders and backers to Israel.
He added that the bank had, according to his claim, opened a credit worth $100 million for soft drinks, arguing that no less than $10 million of that amount could go to Israeli parties — accusations for which the reported text offered no independent evidence.
He criticised what he said appears in credit lists, with multiple large companies owned by the same person obtaining credits of $100 million or $70 million each, while import opportunities for other traders are restricted.
He said some beneficiaries own between 10 and 20 branches or companies and had, according to his accusation, benefited from their connections and familiarity with procedures and staff, while small traders were barred from obtaining foreign currency for import except through banking channels that he sees as favouring large companies.
