Dbeibeh, Bashagha moving ahead with rivalry over Libya's future

The head of the Libyan National Unity Government, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, has warned against the outbreak of war in his country after the appointment of a new transitional government in it.

He said he would hand power over, only to an elected government.

Farce

Addressing the Libyan people Feb. 21, Mr. Dbeibeh described efforts to form a transitional government as 'reckless', and something that is tantamount to a 'farce'.

These efforts, he said, might lead to more fighting in Libya.

His remarks came as the Libyan House of Deputies made efforts to confirm the formation of a new transitional government that will be headed by former interior minister Fathi Bashagha.

Mr. Dbeibeh said he would not accept to hand power over in a state of chaos.

"I will hand power over only to an elected government," Dbeibeh said. "Elections are the only solution."

Maneuver                           

He also described the parliament's move as a 'failed maneuver' that would lead to war and chaos.

Internal decisions

On the other hand, United Nations Spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, called on Libyan leaders to make decisions by consensus, establish a framework, and also take into account the best interests of the Libyan people, especially those who have taken the courageous steps to register to vote.

Libyan parties

Mr. Dbeibeh, like Bashagha, hails from Misrata.

He proposed a four-point plan for holding a parliamentary vote and referendum on constitutional amendments simultaneously in late June.

This, he said, would be followed by a presidential election after the new parliament puts in place a permanent constitution.

He did not, however, specify a date for the presidential election.

In an attempt to court Libyans tired of war and chaos, Mr. Dbeibeh appealed to what he called the 'real national movement' to push for elections.

Specialists in Libyan affairs said Mr. Dbeibeh's roadmap reflects deep political rifts in his country.

They said the main objective of the roadmap is to isolate powerful Parliament Speaker, Aguila Saleh, by far Mr. Dbeibeh's fiercest opponent and the main driving force behind replacing his government.