Libyan Minister of the Interior Achour Chawali Thursday called on armed units and groups to surrender their weapons and join the services of the state to participate in the maintenance of security and stability across the country.
Speaking at a ceremony during which members of an armed unit surrendered their weapons and integrated into the Ministry of the Interior, he urged all armed groups that have not yet officially integrated into the services of the state to hasten their submission to the authority of the legitimate power.
He said this was necessary to facilitate the return of multinational firms and help the country continue projects, most of them at a standstill due to the security crisis.
The Minister said over 27,000 combatants have integrated into the Interior Ministry and would work under the authority of the High Security Commission.
Libyan authorities had previously banned armed men from entering the various cities without authorisation from relevant departments.
This measure is part of a security measure to control the movement of weapons during the festivities marking the second anniversary of the revolution that toppled Khaddafi on 17 Feb.
Pana 08/02/2013