By Moutaz Ali.
Tripoli, 13 June 2014:
President of the Al-Watan party, co-founder of the former Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG) and former . . .[restrict]leader of the Tripoli Military Council (TMC) Abdul-Hakim Belhaj has said that he is against terrorism, assassinations an kidnappings but against General Hafter’s “Operation Dignity” as well.
In a press conference held yesterday in Tripoli, Belhaj announced that the anti-Qaddafi LIFG had dissolved before the start of the 17 February revolution. Moreover, he affirmed that he views Libya as a civil and constitutional state.
Belhaj expressed enthusiasm for the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) dialogue initiative and criticised those who oppose it. he said he was surprised at the decision to postpone it.
He denied having anything to do with Mitiga Airbase since having resigned as president of the TMC. Regarding accusations that he had received weapons from Sudan through the base, Belhaj denied it completely and restated that the base is not under his authority, but under that of the Libyan government.
Last week, there was media speculation about Belhaj organising military supplies while visiting Sudan. Belhaj challenged anyone with proof that he had received such weapons to present it.
With input by Ashraf Abdul-Wahab. [/restrict]
