Libya defies renegade general

By Jomana Karadsheh, CNN

May 26, 2014 -- Updated 0316 GMT (1116 HKT)

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Tripoli (CNN) -- Libya's interim parliament Sunday approved a new government, led by Prime Minister Ahmed Mitig, in a controversial vote that threatens to deepen the country's political and security crisis.

A total of 83 of 93 members present voted in favor of Mitig's government.

Lawmakers in the Islamist-dominated General National Congress (GNC) defied a threat issued by militias allied with renegade general Khalifa Haftar, who promised to storm, raid and arrest members.

The threat was issued by the same group that attacked the GNC headquarters in Tripoli last week, triggering fighting across the capital that left at least four people dead and dozens injured.

Shortly before the vote in parliament, the EU's special envoy to Libya described the situation as the country's worst crisis since 2011.

"This is the worst crisis Libya has known since the war. Political forces should understand the anxiety of the Libyan people, who expect effective solutions for their daily concerns and problems," Bernardino Leon told reporters.

Leon called on politicians to work inclusively and democratically for a political road map and to "enable peaceful early parliamentary elections."

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Libya defies renegade general

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