Libya Updates May 26 , 2014 -- Libyan rebel general calls PM illegitimate ........Renegade general says new prime minister is "a businessman, not a man of war" who cannot bring stability to nation........... The General National Congress (GNC) tonight approved the cabinet of Prime Minister Ahmed Maetig in a last-minute vote to secure a new government - The new cabinet of 23 Ministers has reportedly left four posts empty – those of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Health and Planning...... Despite giving Prime Minister Maiteeq a vote of confidence and partially filling his Cabinet , there still is no Budget and Civil War still looms !

GNC approves incomplete Maetig Cabinet

By Libya Herald staff.

Tripoli, 25 May 2014:

The General National Congress (GNC) tonight approved the cabinet of Prime Minister Ahmed Maetig in a last-minute vote to secure a new government.

Congress approved the cabinet after 83 of the 95 members present voted in favour. Many of those who attended waited hours for enough members to turn up for the session to hold a valid vote.

The new cabinet of 23 Ministers has reportedly left four posts empty – those of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Health and Planning.

The vote will inevitably be controversial. In a telephone interview with a television channel First Deputy President of the GNC, Ezzidden Al-Awami, who questioned the validity of Maetig’s election earlier this month, said that the move could spell disaster for Libya.

Maetig’s government is expected to last for a period of one month following today’s vote.

The GNC today again postponed approving the 2014 budget.

Newspaper editor gunned down in Benghazi

Moataz Ahmed.

Muftah Awath Buzid was shot and killed in Benghazi (Photo: from social media)

Benghazi, 26 May 2014:

The Editor-in-Chief of the prominent Benghazi-based Birniyq newspaper was murdered this morning on his way to work.

Muftah Awath Buzid was shot dead on Benghazi’s Istklala street, formerly Jamal Abdul Naser Street.

Spokesperson for Jalaa Hospital Fadia Berghethi told the Libya Herald that Buzid was shot three times, in his hand, abdomen and head and was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

Buzid had been one of the leading voices reporting and commenting on the current crisis in Benghazi. Local people say the daily Birniyq was known for its balanced outlook.

Buzid appeared on the Libya Al-Ahrar television channel last night. Amongst other topics, he talked about a recent interview he conducted with General Khalifa Hifter.

Libyan Parliament Backs PM Amid Ongoing Coup Attempt

Vote of Confidence Passes as Forces Build Up Around Tripoli

by Jason Ditz, May 25, 2014

Print This | Share This

One week after Gen. Khalifa Hifter occupied Libya’s parliament, the remaining MPs have passed an 83-12 vote of confidence in favor of Prime Minister Ahmed Maiteeq, who Hifter’s offensive appears focused on ousting.

Maiteeq was named prime minister just over two weeks ago, and formed his first cabinet a week ago today, just hours before Gen. Hifter’s forces attacked parliament.

Hifter has argued that parliament is a “state sponsor of terror,” and points to Maiteeq’s strong support among Islamist MPs. His forces hold much of the capital, but Islamist militias loyal to parliament have also set up shop in the city.

Both sides are now building up their fighters and shoring up their defenses in anticipation of a major battle. A civil war seems to be looming ever closer.

Al Jazeera......

Libyan rebel general calls PM illegitimate

Renegade general says new prime minister is "a businessman, not a man of war" who cannot bring stability to nation. Last updated: 26 May 2014 16:35

Gunmen with loyalty to Haftar attacked the parliament building in Tripoli a week ago [EPA]

A renegade former Libyan general has called the country's new prime minister illegitimate and "a businessman, not a man of war" who is incapable of restoring stability. In an interview with the Reuters news agency, Khalifa Haftar on Monday said he had no ambitions to replace Ahmed Maetig but called for the postponement of June parliamentary elections while the nation fought "terrorists". Haftar launched a campaign last week to rid Libya of what he called "terrorists". Gunmen claiming loyalty to him attacked parliament in Tripoli a week ago to demand a power transfer, triggering the worst clashes in the capital for months. Speaking to Reuters by phone from an undisclosed location in eastern Libya, Haftar rejected the idea of holding elections on June 25 as planned by the Libya's parliament and election commission. [Maetig] does not represent the people because the GNC which voted for him is illegitimate. Khalifa Haftar, renegade general "We support elections but the timing needs to be right. The time is not appropriate while we fight terrorism," he said on Monday. He said his campaign would last at least three months but declined to discuss troop strength or which areas he controls."There is for sure progress... it is not appropriate to tell you this," Haftar said. When asked whether he had any political ambitions to lead Libya one day, he said : "No, I just want to rid the country of terrorists, so that citizens can live unharmed." Maetig 'Illegitimate' Haftar also dismissed Maetig as illegitimate, but did not rule out talking to him. "We are open to talk to anyone who can defend the nation," he said, but added: "He is a businessman, not a man of war." Voted into office with his cabinet with the help of a vote of confidence from Libya's General National Congress on Sunday, Maetig has said he is ready to reach out to Haftar as he also wanted to focus on fighting terrorism. But Haftar, who helped Muammar Gaddafi into power and then rebelled against him in the 1980s, said: "He does not represent the people because the General National Congress which voted for him is illegitimate. " Several army units and senior officers have declared loyalty to his campaign.