Speaking to pro-Khalifa Haftar
...Self-proclaimed Field Marshal, served in the Libyan army under Muammar Qadaffy, and took part in the coup that brought Qadaffy to power in 1969. He became a prisoner of war in Chad in 1987. While held prisoner, he and his fellow officers formed a group hoping to overthrow Qadaffy. He was released around 1990 in a deal with the United States government and spent nearly two decades in the United States, gaining US citizenship. In 1993, while living in the United States, he was convicted in absentia of crimes against the Jamahiriya and sentenced to death. Haftar held a senior position in the anti-Qadaffy forces in the 2011 Libyan Civil War. In 2014 he was commander of the Libyan Army when the General National Congress (GNC) refused to give up power in accordance with its term of office. Haftar launched a campaign against the GNC and its Islamic fundamentalist allies. His campaign allowed elections to take place to replace the GNC, but then developed into a civil war. Guess you can't win them all...al-Hadath TV Channel, Salame said the UNSMIL is with any operation that aims to fight terrorism, but is against any operation that violates the rights of Libyans, especially in the south.
"The international community is only with the political settlement among all parties. When I talked at the UN Security Council about the Libyan crisis, especially with the US, Russian and German officials, I sensed their support for Libya - the US in particular." Salame added.
He also said that the international community vowed to support his action plan in the latest Munich Security Conference, adding that they wish to have the plan implemented by Libyans themselves.
"My position on Libyan elections has been retreating due to the obstacles such as the funding of the electoral commission which has moved to the new building give just days ago, let one the lack of an elections law. Libyans are hindering their country's elections as some political parties are benefiting from the challenges facing elections. I have told the UN Security Council all this information." Salame explained.
He also told the channel that countries usually resort to the Supreme Court to resolve deadlocks, saying he is sorry that Libya is the first emerging Arab country that has no judiciary.
"A historical settlement is needed to bring all Libyan parties together." He remarked, adding that the UNSMIL is going to select a location for the National Conference to pave the way for elections.
Meanwhile,
...back at the chili cook-off, Chuck and Manuel's rivalry was entering a new and more dangerous phase...
Salame also talked about the recent festivities of Tripoli
...a confusing city, one end of which is located in Lebanon and the other end of which is the capital of Libya. Its chief distinction is being mentioned in the Marine Hymn...
, saying when he threatened to name those who attacked Mitiga airport, the parties whose names would be publicized decided to commit to the truce and thus he didn't name them.