'Libyans to Decide Their Fate', Serraj Declares

Fayez Al Sarraj, the head of the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), declared on 7 August that only the Libyan people could decide its fate regarding the elections. The statement is an attempt to deal with growing scepticism towards the GNA in Libya. According to reports, the GNA is increasingly perceived as weak and under the influence of foreign powers who are interfering with Libya's path towards stabilisation by pushing their own agenda. Over the course of the past days, the controversy has reached a new high following the intervention of Italian Ambassador to Libya Giuseppe Perrone, who said in a TV interview that he did not think elections would or should take place in Libya by the end of 2018. His statement was interpreted by many Libyans, particularity those in the East, as a blatant example of interference by foreign powers in Libyan affairs. However, this is a position shared by most international governments and Libya watchers as the French initiative is attempting to rush through elections without the necessary conditions being in place.Click here to read more.