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By Libya Herald reporter.
Tunis, 25 January 2016:
The UN Special Envoy Martin Kobler has welcomed what he called “the endorsement in principle” . . .[restrict]by the House of Representatives (HoR) of the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA) signed in Skhirat last month.
The deal was given tentative approval by 97 out of 104 members this afternoon in an initial vote on it. However, they called for the clause transferring the powers of the senior military, civil and security posts to the Presidency Council of the Council of Ministers and for it to decide who hold such posts within 20 days of being appointed to be dropped.
In a separate vote the HoR also overwhelmingly rejected the 32-ministry government proposed by the Council.
“I take note of the reservation of the House of Representatives on article (8) and remind all parties that any amendment to the LPA must be in line with the mechanism of the Libyan Political Agreement.” Kobler said.
However, it is unclear in the LPA what that mechanism is at this stage. The text suggests that the deal cannot be amended and has to be accepted or rejected in its entirety. Once accepted, though, amendments can be made providing there is consensus between both the HoR and the State Council.
“We will continue consultations with all parties to find consensual solution to all outstanding issues,” Kobler suggested.
As to the rejection of the proposed government, he called on both the Council and the HoR to reach their decision as soon as possible, without specifying a time limit. [/restrict]
