(Corrects Sisi's former title in paragragh 7) * Rising influence of military figures in Libyan east * Critics say Haftar reinstating police state * Shortage of fuel, medicine in the east amid fighting BENGHAZI, Libya, Feb 25 (Reuters) - The president of Libya's elected parliament has proposed appointing army general Khalifa Haftar as top army commander, parliament's spokesman said on Wednesday. The decision shows the increasing influence of military figures in the official government and parliament, which has been forced to operate from eastern Libya since an armed group called Libya Dawn seized the capital Tripoli in summer. "Mr Aguila Saleh (parliament's president) has proposed to appoint Haftar," spokesman Farraj Hashem told Reuters. Haftar, who helped Muammar Gaddafi into power before falling out with him in the 80s and joining the 2011 uprising against his rule, has merged his forces with army troops in the east to fight Islamist groups including Libya Dawn?.
02-26-2015, 07:04 AM
UPDATE 1-Libyan parliament proposes Haftar to lead army - spokesman
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