Libya affairs expert at the Royal United Services Institute, Jalel Al-Harchaoui, told our source on Sunday:
“Despite the visit of Massad Boulos this month, I see no sign or evidence of progress in the negotiations.”
He pointed out that some modifications were made to these talks concerning Libya’s overseas funds earlier this year, during the spring. However, no progress has been made since then. “All we know is that these swap-related ideas were discussed between Tripoli and Washington two or three months ago.”
He further stated that currently, the deadline for Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah is mid-August — the time when the UN Special Envoy is expected to reveal her new roadmap. “I don’t believe the recent American visits to Tripoli and Benghazi have alleviated the uncertainty in Libya.”
He continued by saying:
“Both the Dbeibah and Haftar families may attempt to court the Trump administration with various ‘swap’ deals. But until then, and in the short term, Mr. Dbeibah will have to make difficult decisions to reduce the existential risks threatening his position in Tripoli,” he said.
