Libyan spokesman revokes PM's resignation

The spokesman for Libya's internationally recognized government on Thursday said that Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thinni will stay on office, a day after he made the remark to quit.

"Prime minister and his government will remain in office. The cabinet will not resign," the spokesman, Hatem Oraibi, told Xinhua, adding that that the government is "willing to stand before the parliament to reaffirm its duty whenever asked to do so."

On Wednesday, Thinni told a private TV station based in Jordan that he would quit his position, after his cabinet was criticized as being ineffective.

During the TV interview, viewers questioned al-Thinni on his inefficiency on tackling Libya's ongoing crisis, such as armed clashes, fuel and electricity shortages, etc.

Thinni's remark caused great confusion among Libya's political circle, as his government plays a major role in the ongoing peace talks among Libya's warring parties.

Some local media called Thinni's announcement "unexpected" and seemingly an "emotional response" when facing so many tough questions.

Thinni has been in office since March 2014. His government, now exiled to the eastern town of Tobruk, is internationally recognized, but was driven away from Tripoli a year ago after the capital was seized by armed Islamist groups that set up a rival administration.

The oil-rich country has suffered a frayed political process since the downfall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi and is now juggling between two rival parliaments and governments.