On 14 August, the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) met in Sirte for their seventh meeting, concluding with a statement calling on the Government of National Unity (GNU) to freeze military agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with all countries. The JMC claimed they had agreed upon an approach for the departure of all foreign forces and mercenaries as soon as possible. The statement also reiterated the need to appoint a Minister of Defence and the necessity for progress on preparations for national elections. On 17 August, it was reported that the Joint Operations Room of the Western Military Region headed by Osama Juweili had criticised the JMC, stating that the JMC has no jurisdiction in relation to international agreements, the appointment of a Minister of Defence, or the political roadmap, as these matters are the responsibilities of the Presidential Council, the GNU, and the House of Representatives.
