[Iran Press TV] The head of Libya's self-declared administration in the capital, Tripoli...a confusing city, one end of which is located in Lebanon and the other end of which is the capital of Libya. Its chief distinction is being mentioned in the Marine Hymn...
, has refused to cede power to a UN-backed unity government, contradicting an earlier pledge by his administration.
Say one thing on Monday, another on Tuesday. Contradict them both on Wednesday.
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 ISIS Takfiri
...an adherent of takfir wal hijra, an offshoot of Salafism that regards everybody who doesn't agree with them as apostates who must be killed...
terrorist group, he added.