By Saber Ayyub.
Tripoli, 12 July 2015:
Despite the opposition of the General . . .[restrict]National Congress and militias in Tripoli to the draft agreement initialled in Skhirat last night by most of the delegates to the UN-brokered Libya Dialogue, it has been widely welcomed in the capital.
A quick (and probably unscientific) survey of Tripoli residents this morning showed unanimous support for it, although some also expressed scepticism as to whether it would prove effective.
The names of some have been changed and their family names removed to protect their identities.
“I support it,” company manager Sufian told the Libya Herald. “I hope this will lead to well founded agreement among the different sides and helps to build missing mutual trust.”
Taxi-driver Abdullah agreed: “It is good and I expect that will make good things for the country.”
So too did company secretary, Noor: “This agreement is in the interests of the Libya nation because it will stop the war and will be a good start to re-building the country and to prosperity.”
Others pointed out that it was a first step.
“It is very good and it is the only solution to take the country out of the crisis”, said engineer Mohamed. “However, it success it depends on firing and removing all militias from power.”
Another engineer, Ali, agreed that “it is excellent. But the most important thing for me is to form a new government as soon as possible.”
From accountant Ali there was scepticism as to whether it was deliverable in the capital. “It is good but don’t expect a lot from it.”
Another secretary, Maia, said much the same: “I am happy about it but I don’t think that much will come from it.”
Housewife Somaya was torn: “I support it in one way but oppose it in another. I support it because it might make the country more stable but I am against it if it brings Hafter to power.”
The Libyan Herald has, so far, been unable to find ordinary residents of the city who oppose the draft outright.
Reflecting the support in the capital and indicating that Tripoli people are desperate for peace and want a deal to succeed – possibly any deal – Central Tripoli Mayor Al-Mahdi Al-Harati was one of the civic leaders who witnessed the initialling of the Draft last night. [/restrict]
