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Fajes al-Sarradsch (in August in Ankara): "A good precursor for more consensus and agreement"
Photo: AP
Only about a month ago, the two conflicting parties in Libya had aroused slight hopes for a relaxation in the civil war country with a ceasefire.
However, since then there have been ongoing protests against the government.
Now the head of the internationally recognized Libyan government, Fajes al-Sarradsch, has announced his resignation.
"I declare my sincere wish to hand over my duties by the end of October at the latest," said al-Sarradsch in a televised address on Wednesday evening.
The political climate in Libya was in a state of extreme polarization that made any attempt to resolve the crisis extremely difficult.
In the capital Tripoli and other cities there have been repeated protests against corruption and the deteriorating living conditions in recent weeks.
Hundreds of demonstrators had called for political reforms in the North African country.
They also criticized the prolonged and chaotic transition phase Libya has found itself in since the overthrow of long-term ruler Muammar al-Gaddafi in 2011.
Since then, there has been a civil war in oil-rich Libya, in which numerous other countries are also pursuing their own interests.
The internationally recognized government in Tripoli under al-Sarradsch is fighting against the troops of the influential General Khalifa Haftar in the east of the country.
Libya's eastern government had already offered to resign on Monday amid protests against poor living conditions.
Talks in Switzerland bring initial progress
According to the United Nations, Libya's conflicting parties have recently grown closer during talks between high-ranking representatives in Switzerland.
There was agreement that presidential and parliamentary elections were necessary, announced the UN mission to Libya last week.
These recent consultations led to a new preparatory phase to unify the institutions and prepare an environment for the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections, said al-Sarradsch in his address.
It is hoped that they will "be a good precursor to greater consensus and agreement".
Although he is convinced that direct elections are the best way, he will support any other way.
A peaceful and smooth change of power must be guaranteed.
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jok / dpa