Libyan PM resigns

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Libyan PM resigns

TRIPOLI – The prime minister of Libya’s internationally recognised government, Abdullah al-Thani, has announced his resignation during a live television interview.

“If my exit is the solution, then I announce it here,” Mr al-Thani said during the talk show late on Tuesday, adding that “my resignation will be submitted to the parliament on Sunday”.

Earlier the rival Libyan factions started a new UN-sponsored round of peace talks in Geneva aimed at creating a unity government, with representatives of the powerful Tripoli parliament joining the negotiations after boycotting them last month.

Mr Al-Thani’s recognised government has been working from the eastern port city of Tobruk since an Islamist militia alliance captured the capital last year.

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

Libya now has two rival parliaments vying for power as well several militia groups battling for control of the country’s vast resource wealth.