In a speech, Haftar said, “In these fateful historical moments, in which doubt and hope are mixed, hopes for security, peace and stability have begun to loom, despite the desperate attempts to preserve the bleak status quo.”
He continued: “Today, our country stands at the crossroads of two unimaginable paths, the path of freedom and peace, and the path of tension, absurdity and conflicts, and the Libyans alone must choose the path. Crossing to safety shores.
He added: “On this happy occasion, I would like to salute the loyal national forces for their efforts to reach this milestone, and I salute the initiatives presented by brotherly and friendly countries that helped push towards democratic options and urge holding presidential and parliamentary elections as the only way out of the crisis.” And the best way to return Libya to the right path of nations.”
Leading the people to glory
And he added: “In response to these efforts and initiatives, and in compliance with the rules of democracy and in implementation of the road map agreed upon by the Libyans, I announce my candidacy for the presidency not as a request for power or a search for a position, but rather to lead our people towards pride, progress and prosperity.”
He pointed out that “this historic moment is not worthy of hollow promises and titillation of emotions. Rather, it is a sincere national moment for the discourse of reason and conscience. Accordingly, I promise you throughout my journey to align with you in defense of our national principles, foremost of which is Libya’s unity, independence, sovereignty, dignity and security.”
And he added, “If we are destined to assume the presidency, we have inexhaustible ideas, and there are men and women helpers of the country to achieve renaissance and progress. There are a lot of bounties and blessings in Libya. If it is placed in good hands that are well managed and directed, the future of the country will not be in doubt.”
He concluded his speech by sending a message to the Libyans, saying, “I invite you to exercise your role with awareness and responsibility, and direct your voices where it should be.
The leadership of Libya in an exceptional circumstance
The Libyan political researcher, Muhammad Qashout, welcomed Haftar’s announcement of his candidacy, stressing that he is the right person to lead Libya during the exceptional circumstance it is going through, which prompted many to demand his candidacy during the last period.
Qashout stated that Haftar assumed responsibility in 2014, when he contributed to the restructuring of the Libyan National Army, which had confrontations with many terrorist and extremist groups, and restored stability to a large area of the homeland, explaining that his candidacy “wokes up the entity of the militias and the organization of The Brotherhood” who fear his victory in the elections and his “leading of the National Movement” against them to end the chaos in the country.
Political analyst Al-Hadi Abdel Karim praised Haftar’s presidential candidacy speech, saying that it was “transparent”, as it addressed the difficulties facing the country and the Libyans.
Abdul Karim said that the ball is now in the people’s court, to insist on resorting to the polls and casting their votes in order to cross the country from the difficult stage it has been experiencing for years.
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