Libya's political rifts deepen as Presidential Council dismisses intelligence chief

TRIPOLI, June 29 (Xinhua) -- Libya has witnessed a rise in political tensions following the Presidential Council's decision to dismiss the head of the Libyan intelligence service and appoint a successor on Sunday.

The Presidential Council announced in an official statement the dismissal of General Intelligence Service chief Hussein Al-Ayeb and the appointment of Abdulmjid Mligta as his successor.

The council noted that the session at which the decision was made was held despite the absence of Vice President Musa Al-Koni, who said he was outside the country.

However, Al-Koni said in a statement posted on his official page that he had participated in the meeting via video link, contradicting the Presidential Council's statement.

He stressed that he had not approved any of the proposals, arguing that any decisions issued to the contrary did not reflect what had actually taken place and lacked the legal consensus required within the council.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the House of Representatives Aguila Saleh said he was closely following the developments, calling for security institutions to be insulated from political disputes.

He urged all parties to prioritize the national interest and refrain from unilateral actions. Enditem