Fighting continues ... A building burns after clashes between rival militias in the Sarraj district of the Libyan capital Tripoli. Photo: Reuters
Tripoli: The former Libyan parliament replaced in national elections in June reconvened on Monday to elect an Islamist-backed deputy as prime minister, challenging the authority of the turbulent country's new legislature.
The old General National Congress (GNC), where Islamists had a strong voice, has refused to acknowledge the legitimacy of its successor assembly, the House of Representatives, which is dominated by liberals and federalists.
A parliamentary spokesman said the GNC, which met in the capital Tripoli, elected Omar al-Hasi as its new leader. The House of Representatives meets in the eastern town of Tobruk, far from the continuing clashes in Tripoli and Benghazi.
An Islamist fighter from the Fajr Libya coalition flashes the V sign for victory at the entrance of Tripoli international airport after capturing it from Zintan force, allies of rogue general Khalifa Haftar, following many days of clashes. Photo: AFP
The GNC reconvened after armed factions from the western city of Misrata forced a rival faction from Zintan out of Tripoli's main airport on Saturday after a month of fighting.