Ahmed Maiteg, Libyan Prime Minister: "Military action must be carried out within the framework of the state and the state is responsible for fighting terrorism and the state will work with the international community in fighting it, God willing. Terrorism is unacceptable in Libya, unacceptable, unacceptable."
Libyan Prime Minister Ahmed Maiteg on Saturday condemned violent clashes between opposition groups in Tripoli's Martyrs' Square a day earlier.
He said it was "unacceptable" that the political dispute, between those in support and opposition of renegade General Khalifa Hifter, spilled over into the streets.
Hifter's supporters charged into the square on Friday throwing rocks and other projectiles at the rival group, who oppose the military leader.
Maiteg also said the government was committed to fighting the "terrorism phenomenon" in Libya, without elaborating.
Maiteg was elected last month by the Islamist-led parliament in a contested vote, which prompted incumbent Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thinni to refuse to hand over the post until the judiciary decides on the matter.
Maiteg's appointment adds to Libya's political and security woes at a time when Hifter is waging an offensive against Islamist militias. Libya has largely sunk into chaos over the past years following the downfall and the killing of longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in the country's 2011 civil war.
AP