Qatar Rejects Haftar's Declaration of Obtaining Popular Mandate to Govern Libya

Doha / Information Office / April 29

The State of Qatar has rejected a declaration by the retired Major General Khalifa Haftar that he obtained a "popular mandate" allowing him to govern Libya, considering this a new affirmation of his persistent attempt to stage a coup against international legitimacy and the Libyan national consensus as well as a clear disdain for the international community which have been watching for a long time without taking any action regarding the crimes committed against the brotherly Libyan people, especially since the beginning of the attack on Tripoli last year.

In a statement today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the retired Major General Khalifa Haftar gave a false pretext in his declaration reflecting his disregard for the sanctity of Libyan blood and the minds of those who listen to him. At a time when the world's efforts are directed to stop the bloodshed in Libya and fight the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, we see the continuation of the militarization of the scene and attacks on civilians and on the political track, without any regard for the tragedy of the children, women, elderly, and displaced persons of the Libyan people, it added.

The statement called on the international community and actors in the Libyan scene to shoulder their humanitarian and historical responsibility and to prevent the retired Major General Khalifa Haftar and his militias from killing more innocents and tearing the Libyan nation apart.