Gunfire and guerrilla warfare greeted the Libyan prime minister-designate, Fayez Al Sarraj, on his arrival in Tripoli yesterday evening where he installed his government. The blitz by the only government recognized by the UN, which arrived by sea to try to change the stalemate in which the country finds itself, however received an "explosive" welcome from the various factions contending for the remains of the Gaddafi's Libya. Some armed groups fired shots into the air with anti-aircraft guns mounted on pick-up trucks to prevent some supporters of the national unity government from gathering in the center of Tripoli, near Martyrs' Square. This morning the news also spread that armed men took control of the local TV.
"Unify the efforts of the Libyans to counter Daesh", Isis: it was instead the appeal launched by Al Sarraj in Tripoli who underlined "the attachment to national conciliation" and the will to "keep faith in the principles of the revolution of February 17” 2011 which led to the fall of Muammar Gaddafi's regime. The prime minister confirmed his "attachment to state institutions with the participation of all Libyans" and to the "ceasefire". The presidential council led by the designated premier arrived in Tripoli from Tunis "by sea", docking at the Abusetta naval base.
His work, however, promises to be fraught with difficulties. The head of the unrecognized government of Tripoli, Khalifa Ghwell in a press conference in the capital threatened Al Sarraj accusing him of "illegal entry" into Tripoli: "he has two options: surrender to the authorities or return to Tunis". Furthermore, Ghwell specified that the Mitiga airport remains closed and that incoming flights are diverted to Misrata.
"The Libyan unity government - reports the media adviser to the prime minister-designate Fayez al Sarraj, Fathi Ben Aissa - will use the naval base where it arrived from Tunis as a temporary headquarters while waiting for security to be guaranteed in another location in Tripoli”.
Meanwhile, the UN envoy, Martin Kobler judges "urgent a peaceful and orderly transfer of power to the government of Libyan national unity. The arrival of the presidential council in Tripoli – he explains – marks an important step in the Libyan democratic transition, on the road to peace, security and prosperity. The international community strongly supports the leaders of the Libyan presidential council arrived in Tripoli and is "ready to ensure the necessary support and assistance". Kobler underlines the “courage, determination and leadership of the council, which under the presidency of Fayez al Sarraj has taken a step forward for the development of the national agreement and the aspirations of the majority of the Libyan people.
"We hope - said Matteo Renzi from Chicago - that the Sarraj government will now be able to work in the interest of Libya and the Libyan people". Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni welcomed the arrival of the Libyan presidential council in Tripoli. “It is another step forward for the stabilization of Libya. Based on the determination of Prime Minister Serraj and the Presidential Council, new progress is now possible for the Libyan people. Italy has always been at the forefront with numerous diplomatic initiatives for the goal of stabilizing Libya,” Gentiloni said. "I hope that the Libyan people will guarantee the Presidential Council and the Government of National Concordia full support and maximum cooperation and that the political and financial institutions will collaborate to allow the immediate and peaceful transfer of powers", added Gentiloni.
The US also welcomes, said Secretary of State John Kerry, the arrival of the Libyan presidential council in Tripoli and reiterates its appeal for all Libyan institutions to facilitate and support a peaceful transition, inviting all Libyans to support the government of national unity. "This is not the time for stonewallers to hold back progress, but for all Libyans across the country to embrace this historic opportunity for a peaceful and more prosperous Libya."
