Libyans protest in Tripoli, Benghazi against political uncertainty

TRIPOLI, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- Limited demonstrations took place on Sunday in the Libyan capital of Tripoli and the eastern city of Benghazi against the UN-backed government.

In central Tripoli, dozens of Libyans protested against the Government of National Accord, describing it as "expired."

They demanded that the eastern-based army commander, General Khalifa Haftar, takes over the country instead of all the existing political factions.

They also demanded to support army and police forces and end the rule of militias in Libya.

However, gun firing of unknown source was heard in the place, sparking fear in the place and forcing demonstrators to leave immediately. No casualties were reported so far.

The protests took place a few hours after General Haftar said in a televised speech that the UN-sponsored political agreement is "expired," warning against a "future dangerous stage" for the country.

"As of December 17, 2017, the so-called political agreement expires. Therefore, all bodies resulted from this agreement automatically lost their legitimacy, which is questioned since day one," Haftar said.

Haftar noted that all UN-sponsored dialogues held by Libyan political factions so far are "useless" as they failed to provide any guarantees "leading to a comprehensive and just solution."

He also vowed that he is committed to protecting and defending Libyans and the country's institutions "to the last soldier in our ranks."

Libyan political parties on December 17, 2015 signed a UN-sponsored peace agreement that aims at ending the political division in the country.

Under the deal, the Government of National Accord was appointed, but the country has remained in a political crisis amid insecurity and chaos.

Ghassan Salame, head of the UN Support Mission in Libya, on Sunday urged Libyan political parties to "refrain from any actions that could undermine the political process."

Salame proposed an action plan for Libya in September that includes amendment of the current UN-sponsored political agreement, holding a UN-sponsored national conference for all Libya's political factions, adopting a constitution, and finally electing the president and parliament. Enditem