Libya army says will not interfere in politics

TRIPOLI

Libya's army command has asserted that the army would not be embroiled in politics amid mounting anger and protests over a decision by the country's interim parliament to extend its mandate by one year.

In a statement published by the official LANA news agency late Saturday, the army's command said that it "distances itself from all political and partisan differences."

The army, nonetheless, lauded the "civilized manner" in which Libyan protesters have conducted themselves during their Friday demonstrations.

The army's stated position came one day after hundreds of Libyans took to the streets of the country's two biggest cities – Tripoli and Benghazi – to protest a December decision by the General National Congress (GNC) to extend its mandate as well as the country's transitional period until December 24 of 2014.

Under the original timetable, the GNC should have elected a constituent panel, drafted a constitution and put the charter to referendum before holding parliamentary polls sometime before February of this year.

The new timetable, however, stipulates that a constituent panel will be elected by February; a new constitution drafted by July, and put to a vote by August; and parliamentary elections held by December.

Many Libyans have been taking to the streets to protest the new plan and pressure the interim parliament to reverse the move.

During Friday's protest, held amid tight security, protesters chanted against the GNC and the government of interim Premier Ali Zeidan, demanding the formation of an "emergency government."

englishnews@aa.com.tr