The Libyan Presidency Council announced the dismissal of Foreign Minister Najla Al-Mangoush in its decision on the evening of November 6. Mangoush’s lack of coordination with the Presidential Council in his foreign policy decisions was cited as the reason.
Also, in the background of the decision, Mangoush’s interview with the BBC on October 4 is referred to. Mangoush stated that the Libyan government was ready to cooperate with the United States in the Lockerbie case. These statements by Mangoush were interpreted as accepting the extradition of Abu Ajce Massoud, who was convicted in the Lockerbie case, to the United States, and taken a serious reaction from the Libyan public.
In response to this decision of the Presidential Council, in a written statement made by the cabinet of Government of National Unity (GNU), it was stated that to suspend the members of the GNU is not in the Presidency Council’s authority and that Mangoush will continue her duties.
In addition to this, the statement referred to the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF), emphasizing that the Presidential Council has limited powers.
