Libya: PM Bashagha’s media office denies US proposed GNU continuation with cabinet reshuffle

The media office of the Prime Minister-designated, Fathi Bashagha, has denied receiving a proposal from the US Ambassador to Libya, Richard Norland, which recommends that the Government of National Unity (GNU) remains in office with few adjustments to its ministers, Libya Observer reports.

The media office of the former Interior Minister said that the ‘Bashagha government has taken all security measures to complete the delivery and receipt process between the incumbent PM Abdulhamid Dbeibah and Bashagha backed by the eastern-based parliament.

Bashagha was granted confidence and took the legal oath before the House of Representatives and called on media outlets to verify news from their sources, the office added.

Reports of the alleged US proposal emerged following US Ambassador Richard Norland’s indication that PM-designate Fathi Bashagha and the incumbent PM Abdulhamid Dbeibah agreed to engage in urgent negotiations facilitated by the United Nations to reach a political understanding.

The alleged US proposal, Libya Observer notes, provides the need to present a clear roadmap and timeframe for holding elections within this year and for Dbeibah to pledge in writing that he would not run in the upcoming presidential elections.