Egypt backs Libyan PM-designate to form new government
Egypt pins hope on Prime Minister-designate Fathi Bashagha to secure the exit of all foreign forces from Libya and prepare for holding elections in the war-torn country.
Egypt was quick to declare support Feb. 10 to former Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha to form a new government in Libya, hours after the Libyan parliament named him as the country’s new interim prime minister.
Bashagha was selected unopposed by the House of Representatives, based in eastern Libya, to replace incumbent Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah after the only other candidate, former Interior Ministry official Khaled al-Bibass, had withdrawn.
The parliament’s move, however, was rejected by Dbeibah, who said he will not hand over power until a national election is held.
But just hours after Bashagha’s appointment, Egypt said in a statement issued by its Foreign Ministry that it values the move of the Libyan parliament.
