Balha: The protests of the Martyrs and Missing Persons Authority showed the weakness of the presidential efforts at reconciliation

Ashraf Balha, head of the Libyan Technocrats Group, confirmed that the recent protests against a previous decision to include the dead of the American Khalifa Haftar during his aggression against Tripoli to the General Authority for the Care of Martyrs and Missing Persons, showed the weakness of the efforts of the Presidential Council in the national reconciliation file.

Balha explained, in exclusive statements to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, that the timing of issuing the decision was not appropriate, especially since the atmosphere of contention between the parties still exists and in the absence of unification of military and security institutions.

Balha continued, saying, “It would have been better for Al-Manfi’s decision to be preceded by attempts at dialogue between the military parties in the east and west of the country on this matter, and for reconciliation to be emphasized between them, so that it would not be considered a provocative measure for the people of western Libya, especially the capital.”

He continued saying, “It might also have been better for both parties to issue a pledge to renounce violence and not resort to weapons again.” But as positions continue to diverge, there is no expected outcome other than rejection.”

He stressed that these protests showed the weakness of reconciliation efforts on the ground and their lack of seriousness, adding, “The Presidential Council’s strategy for managing the reconciliation file was not good, and was limited to calling every few months for a meeting or forum that raises the title of reconciliation, which is not commensurate with the importance of this file, which It required real mobilization from everyone.”