Libya: ‘Saif Al-Islam can run for presidency if he wants’ UN envoy

UN special envoy to Libya has approved any intent by Saif al-Islam to run for elections in the Libya next year if he wants despite being wanted by the International Criminal Court.
Ghassan Salame, head of the UNSMIL told French France 24 that aside from Saif al-Islam all former loyalists and supporters of former Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi can participate in the general elections slated to the take place next year.
“Elections must be open to all,” Salame said.
Gaddafi’s son is wanted by the Libyan court and by the International Criminal Court for war crimes during the 2011 uprising.
Arrested in 2011, he was jailed in Zintan before being released this year in July on a request from Libya’s east-based government.
Salame last week unveiled a new action plan for the North African country. The plan, Salame said was proposed by Libyans themselves during his tour of the country.
According to the UN envoy, the plan to take maximum one year will lay the ground for parliamentary elections and the election of the president.
Current of mandate of UN-backed Prime Minister Faiez Serraj ends in December.
Salame also noted that Islamists opposed to Egypt, Russia, and United Arab Emirates-backed military commander Khalifa Haftar will also take part in the process.
Libya has descended into chaos following Gaddaf’s fall in 2011. The country has had two distinct administrations namely the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) based in Tripoli and Haftar-backed government in the east.
The UN envoy has stood against all solo foreign mediations adding that they foil UN efforts in oil-rich country.