The Head of the Libyan High Council of State (HCS) Khalid Al-Mishri welcomed the meeting of presidential candidates, including Fathi Bashagha and Ahmed Maiteeq upon the invitation of Khalifa Haftar, in Benghazi, reiterating his readiness to visit Benghazi, Al-Bayda and Tobruk in east Libya. Regarding his relationship with HoR Speaker, Aqila Saleh, Al-Mishri said Saleh is welcome to visit Tripoli anytime, adding that he is ready to meet with Saleh in Benghazi. It's not true that there are 2.8 million Libyans who registered as voters, but there are less than 500.000 Libyans only. Most candidates ran for elections while they truly know that they won't be held." Al-Mishri said the consensus within the 5+5 Joint Military Commission will be reflected on armed groups in Libya, adding that militias are calling for integration, and that some fighters are shouldering weapons because there aren't any available job opportunities.

Source: Libya Observer December 30, 2021 18:15 UTC