Pakistan Mediates Libya Unity Push – Reports
Reuters reported that Pakistan has quietly begun mediating between Libya’s rival eastern and western power centres, in a diplomatic push that could strengthen Islamabad’s international profile if successful.
Pakistan Libya Mediation Effort
The reported mediation comes after Pakistan was credited by the Trump administration for helping facilitate an interim understanding between the United States and Iran. Pakistani sources said Islamabad’s Libya role has the backing of the United States and Saudi Arabia, while Qatar and Turkey are also said to have encouraged Pakistan’s involvement.
Libya has remained divided between rival administrations since the years following the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that led to the fall of Muammar Gaddafi. Disputes over political authority, election rules, oil revenues and foreign influence have repeatedly derailed attempts to reunify the country.
Libya Reunification Plan Discussed
A proposed Libya Reunification Plan reportedly outlines a 36-month transitional power-sharing arrangement. The plan would create a Government of National Consensus and a Presidential Council to manage the transition.
Under the proposal, Abdulhamid Dbeibah, head of the UN-recognised western-based Government of National Unity, would continue as prime minister. Saddam Haftar, deputy commander of the eastern-based Libyan National Army, would become chairman of the Presidential Council.
Foreign Influence In Libya Talks
The Haftar camp, led by Khalifa Haftar, controls several key oilfields and important infrastructure in eastern Libya. The proposed arrangement would reportedly give his faction significant authority over the budget.
Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir met Saddam Haftar in Rawalpindi last month, before Haftar travelled to Washington for talks with US officials. However, no official confirmation has been issued by Pakistan, Libya’s rival authorities or the foreign governments named in the report.
