Libya’s PM says nation weak in face of militias

Country’s chief of staff abducted by gunmen eight days ago

Libyan followers of Ansar al-Shariah Brigades and other Islamic militias, hold a demonstration against a film and a cartoon denigrating the Prophet Muhammad. (AP Photo/Mohammad Hannon)
Libyan followers of Ansar al-Shariah Brigades and other Islamic militias, hold a demonstration against a film and a cartoon denigrating the Prophet Muhammad. (AP Photo/Mohammad Hannon)

TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) — Libya’s prime minister said Monday his country is “weak” as militias continue to run prisons and abduct people, including his chief of staff, now missing for eight days.

Prime Minister Ali Zidan said that four vehicles were involved in Mohamed Ali Ghatous’ abduction about 45 kilometers (28 miles) east of Tripoli.

He gave no further details about the kidnapping of his top aide.

Ghatous disappeared shortly after Zidan was besieged in his office by militiamen over remarks he made threatening to summon outside help to confront the armed groups.

Speaking to reporters in Tripoli on Monday, Zidan said “the country is currently weak, but that such talk is not taboo.”

“This is the reality as the nation moves from being weak to being strong and from chaos to order,” he said.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

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