Bashagha sworn in as Libya's new premier

By Walid Abdullah

TRIPOLI, Libya (AA) - Former Libyan Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha was sworn in on Thursday as the country's new prime minister at the House of Representatives in the eastern city of Tobruk.

Bashagha took his oath of office after his government emerged from confidence vote with the support of 92 lawmakers out of a total of 166, according to state-run TV news.

"Will begin studying all options and measures necessary to take power in Tripoli by the force of law," Bashagha said after taking the oath.

However, he also vowed to "work together to achieve reconciliation and justice," saying: "We will work with determination to end the transitional stages."

On Feb. 10, the House of Representatives named Bashagha to form a new government.

Incumbent premier Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, however, rejected the parliament's move, saying he would hand over power only to an elected government.

The UN said it still recognizes Dbeibeh as Libya's interim prime minister.

*Writing by Mahmoud Barakat