Libyan Prime Minister announces resignation on television

(Baonghean.vn) - The internationally recognized Prime Minister of Libya, Mr. Abdullah al-Thani, announced his resignation in a live television interview on the night of August 11.

Prime Minister of Libya's internationally recognized parliament, Abdullah al-Thani, at a press conference in Tripoli in June 2014. Photo: AFP.

“If my resignation is the solution, then I will announce it here. My resignation will be submitted to parliament on August 16,” Mr al-Thani said on the programme.

Libya's rival factions have begun a new round of UN-sponsored peace talks in Geneva aimed at forming a unity government. Representatives from the ruling Tripoli-based parliament have joined the talks after boycotting them last month.

Al-Thani's recognised government has operated from the eastern port city of Tobruk since an Islamist militia alliance seized the capital last year.

Benghazi, the main city in the east, is also facing daily fighting between militias and pro- and anti-government forces.

Libya, plunged into chaos after the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, now has two rival parliaments vying for power, along with several militia groups fighting for control of the country's rich resources.

Thu Giang

(According to AFP)