Libya`s intel chief resigns over power struggle

Tripoli: A Libyan lawmaker says the country`s intelligence chief has resigned amid an intensifying power struggle between the Islamist-dominated Parliament and a rival, interim government.

Mohammed al-Arisha says spy chief Salem al-Hassi submitted his resignation to Parliament on Thursday. The al-Wasat news portal says al-Hassi resigned because he was frustrated with parliament`s insisting on appointing a new prime minister in a contested vote. Al-Hassi could not be reached to confirm the report. The appointment of Premier Ahmed Maiteg by parliament last month added to Libya`s crisis after incumbent premier, Abdullah Al-Thinni, refused to hand over his post, insisting the judiciary should resolve the issue. The conflict over the post comes as rogue Gen. Khalifa Hifter is an offensive against Islamist militias.