Libyan Government Rejects the Suspension of Foreign Minister
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The Libyan Government of National Unity announces its rejection of the Presidential Council's decision to suspend the Minister of Foreign Affairs and refer her to investigation.
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The Libyan Government stressed its appreciation for Al-Mangoush's efforts in performing her duties as required.
The Libyan Government of National Unity issued a statement on Saturday, in which it announced its rejection of the decision of the Libyan Presidential Council to suspend Foreign Minister, Najla al-Mangoush, as a precaution, referring her to investigation into violations.
The government pointed out that the Presidential Council, as per the outcomes of the Libyan political dialogue signed in Geneva, is not entitled to appoint members of the executive authority, cancel their appointment, suspend them, or investigate them.
It also called on all authorities to follow the proper administrative procedures and abide by their tasks stipulated in the Constitutional Declaration and its appendices.
The statement urged the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to resume her work, expressing appreciation for all her efforts in performing her duties as required.
On Saturday, a statement by the Presidential Council mentioned that a committee will be formed to question al-Mangoush, who is suspended as a precaution, provided that the committee provides a report within 14 days from the issuance of the decision.
This decision came after the name of former Libyan intelligence official, Abu Ajila Masoud, resurfaced with Tripoli expressing its willingness to extradite him to the US for his involvement in the 1988 US plane bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland.
Al-Mangoush had said on the matter that her government intends to coordinate with the US to extradite Masoud over the Lockerbie case.
On Wednesday, the Minister iterated to BBC that the Libyan government understands the pain and misery of the families of the victims of the incident, but she is obliged to respect the law, as she put it.
