Libya premier accuses NTC of blocking election efforts

TRIPOLI (AFP) - Libya's interim prime minister accused the ruling National Transitional Council on Wednesday of hindering his government's efforts to hold elections for a constituent assembly on time.

"In this historic moment, we find ourselves shackled by members of the National Transitional Council who continue to attack the government and threaten to cast a no confidence vote," Abdel Rahman al-Kib said.

"This blocks our efforts to carry out our duties in the service of the February 17 revolution -- chiefly, holding elections on time," he told journalists in Tripoli.

Kib issued a vigorous defence of his government's performance pointing to the return of normal life, an increase in overall security and fast measures to tackle the armed conflicts that have flared up in the past months.

Since its appointment in November, the government has also seen oil production return to near pre-revolution levels, provided treatment for the war wounded abroad and salaries for public sector employees, he said.

Last week, NTC members warned that the interim government was heading towards a no-confidence vote due to its failure to organise the army and tackle outstanding security issues.

The main criticisms, an NTC member told AFP, were its failure "to reactivate the army, to integrate militias under a legitimate framework and the wasting of public money."