Confusion as Libyan PM says in TV interview he will quit over criticism
LIBYA’S internationally recognised Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thinni has said in a television interview he would resign, after the st ation’s host confronted him with questions from angry citizens who criticised his cabinet as ineffective.
But in a move typical for a country in chaos where accurate information is hard to get as officials often contradict each other, government spokesman Hatem al-Arabi said later Mr Thinni would st ay on, adding the premier had only meant he would quit if the people demanded it.
“I officially resign and I will submit my resignation to the House of Represent- atives on Sunday,” he told a private TV station.
Mr Thinni has been based in eastern Libya since his government fled Tripoli a year ago after the capital was seized by an armed group that set up a rival administration, part of the chaos four years after the ousting of Muammar Gaddafi.
He has been in office since March 2014 and had said in April 2014 he would resign, saying his family had been attacked but later changed his mind and stayed on.
His cabinet has struggled to make an impact in the remote eastern city of Bayda, while citizens complained about shortages of fuel and a worsening security situation.
Ministries and key state buildings in Tripoli are under the control of the rival administration with its own premier that has not been recognised by world powers.
Mr Thinni became angry when the TV host presented him with questions collected from viewers who criticised Mr Thinni for a lack of secu- rity, government services and handling of aid for displaced people.
When asked Mr Thinni what he would do if there were protests, he said: “People do not need to protest against me because I officially resign from my position.
“They can bring a new prime minister with magic to solve all the problems.”
But when contacted, a cabinet spokesman denied Mr Thinni would resign.
The spokesman said: “The prime minister has not resigned officially. He said during the television interview he would resign if the street demands it.”
Libya’s east has been hit hard by chaos caused by fighting between forces allied to Mr Thinni and Islamist groups.