Tripoli authorities refuse to cede power to Libya unity government

The head of Libya's self-declared administration in the capital, Tripoli, has refused to cede power to a UN-backed unity government, contradicting an earlier pledge by his administration.

Khalifa Ghweil, chief of Tripoli's so-called National Salvation Government, in a statement on Wednesday, called on his ministers not to stand down, adding, "Given the requirements of public interest... you are requested to continue your mission in accordance with the law."

The statement threatened to prosecute anyone who cooperates with the new government.

This is while an earlier statement bearing the logo of Tripoli authority had said its prime minister, deputy premiers and cabinet ministers were all stepping aside in an attempt to "preserve the higher interests of the country and prevent bloodshed and divisions."

The latest announcement is a setback to UN-backed prime minister-designate Fayez al-Sarraj who arrived in Tripoli in late March to assert the unity government's authority.

Upon his arrival in the capital on March 30, Sarraj said "uniting Libyans and healing divisions" were among the challenges the country is facing.

“We will work for a ceasefire across Libya, for national reconciliation and the return of displaced people, and we will seek to confront” the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group, he added.

The new government has not yet received the endorsement of the internationally-recognized government, which is largely based in the northeastern city of Tobruk.

In recent days, Ghweil's administration had made several attempts to block Sarraj's arrival in the capital and called for him to leave Tripoli or "surrender" to the authorities.

The North African country has been split between two governments since 2014 when Ghweil’s administration seized control of the capital with the support of powerful militia groups, forcing the Western-backed government to the country’s remote east.

Libya’s rivals achieved a consensus on forming a unity government last December after months of UN-brokered talks in Tunisia and Morocco.

Formed under a power-sharing deal signed on December 17 last year in Morocco, the Government of National Reconciliation is tasked with taking over from rival groups running different parts of the country.

The oil-rich African country has been dominated by violence since a NATO military intervention followed the 2011 uprising that toppled and killed longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Daesh, which is in control of some parts of Iraq and Syria, and other militants have also used the lack of security to build a base in Libya.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk