Libyan Ministers Accused of Forging Credentials

Arab World

March 29th, 5:48am

Cairo – Khaled Mahmoud

Libya’s Abdulhamid Dbeibeh addresses the parliament a day before his cabinet secured a vote of confidence from the body, in Sirte, Libya, March 9, 2021. (AP)

The Libyan Government of National Unity (GNU), headed by Abdulhamid Dbeibeh, was confronted on Sunday with its first crisis when allegations surfaced that some ministers had forged their credentials and academic qualifications. The Administrative Control Authority demanded that the GNU submit the resumes of the ministers so that it could verify their credentials. Local media and activists were the first to allege that some ministers had faked their qualifications. In an official statement, the Administrative Control Authority called on the government to provide it with the resumes of the ministers and copies of their academic qualifications. Minister of Labor and Rehabilitation Ali Al-Abed Abu Azoum condemned in a statement the “fierce campaign” that is aimed at hampering the youth’s drive to lead the country during the transitional phase through the spreading of false allegations. He denied that he had forged his credentials and also posted a copy of his qualifications to refute any claims. Separately, Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron held telephone talks on Sunday to discuss the latest developments in Libya. They tackled efforts to push forward the settlement on the military, political and security levels. Sisi underscored the need for all mercenaries to withdraw from Libya and to end all illegal meddling in its affairs so that elections can be held in December, said a statement from the Egyptian presidency. Macron, for his part, hailed Egypt’s pivotal role in reaching a settlement for the crisis, praising Sisi’s personal efforts to that end. Such efforts consolidate Egypt’s role as a main factor for security and stability in the region and entire Middle East. He stated that France was keen on continuing intense cooperation and coordination with Egypt on Libya.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2887656/libyan-ministers-accused-forging-credentials