TRIPOLI – Mustafa Abushagur has sought to quash rumors that Mahmoud Jibril's National Forces Alliance (NFA) has backed out of joining his cabinet, saying that the coalition “will support the government". The prime minister-elect told reporters that he had been in touch with the NFA leader and that discussions were still ongoing. “I have contacted Dr. Jibril along with the leaders of several other parties and all have said they will support the government", Abushagur said, adding that he had not been able to meet Jibril in person over the past few days as he had been abroad. He said that the NFA's general secretary, Faisal Krekshi, was keen for Jibril to return from Egpyt in order to discuss the matter fully. Abushagur failed to meet Thursday's deadline imposed by the National Congress to form a government and has asked for an extension of 10 days. The Congress has agreed, but warned Abushagur that failure to form a government by Oct. 7 would result in his dismissal as prime minister-elect. Having committed to forming a government of national unity, the politician is under considerable strain to reach agreement with the numerous different political and regional factions seeking to be involved. Abushagur said that he had received “hundreds" of applications of support for the government, and that a technical committee had been established to review them. – Libya Herald
