Writer Igor Subbotin said, in a report published by the Russian newspaper "Nezavisimaya", that retired Major General Khalifa Haftar - whom the Russian side tried to rely on - is ready to give up his candidacy in favor of his sons, the factor that accelerates the transformation of eastern Libya into a pro-Western party.

The writer stated that the negotiations that took place recently in Egypt revealed Khalifa Haftar's lack of interest in running in the presidential elections, which are expected to be organized this year under the supervision of international mediators.

Nezavisimaya quoted press sources as saying that Haftar had given up his political ambitions.

According to the same sources, this issue was discussed during the recent talks that took place in Egypt, bringing together Haftar, the Libyan Parliament Speaker, Aguila Saleh, and the Libyan Presidential Council, Muhammad Yunis al-Manfi.


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According to officials, the various aspects of the electoral process sponsored by the United Nations, which were not organized in 2021 as planned, were discussed during the meeting.

The writer explained that some attribute the flexibility shown by Haftar regarding the conditions for launching the electoral process to the deterioration of his health, as well as the pressure exerted on him by the international community.

According to sources close to Haftar, it was the health condition that prompted him to demand during the negotiations in Egypt not to put obstacles in the way of the possible candidacy of one of his sons Saddam or Belkacem in the upcoming presidential elections.


The writer adds that the change in the balance of power in Libya became evident after the visit of CIA Director William Burns, who held talks not only with the national unity government - whose area of ​​influence includes the western regions of the country - but with Haftar, who controls the eastern regions.

The writer indicated that although some problems could be encountered during the appointment of Haftar as his successor from among his sons due to the conflict of interests between Saddam and Belqasim;

Experts at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy suggest the possibility of choosing Haftar, his son Saddam, given his work on polishing his image in the media for a long time, in addition to his diplomatic missions.


It should be noted that in 2021, Saddam Haftar was assigned to establish contacts with a company in Israel, which helped Haftar Sr. prepare for the general elections that were postponed for that year.

The writer quotes experts from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy as saying, "It is likely that clan sheikhs and local community leaders will swear allegiance to Saddam Haftar as commander of the army by organizing a meeting that includes all clan leaders."

According to these estimates, Saddam's assumption of command of the forces loyal to Haftar is a test for Russian interests in Libya.

Although Moscow has declared on many occasions that it takes a neutral position and emphasizes the balanced relations it has with all parties to the civil conflict in Libya, experts believe that the party representing the eastern camp of Libya is the closest to it.