Tripoli, 10 January 2013:
The General National Congress has decided to set up its own armed force to protect its premises, members and employees. It will be independent of the army or the police. It will be under the direct command of the President of the Congress, from whom it will take its orders.
The move follows a spate of armed protests and attacks on Congress including the storming of its premises. In such instances there has been little protection afforded by the official forces of the state — the army, police and the Supreme Security Committee.
It is not known how large the new body will be. Resolution No 1 for 2013, setting it up, has no mention as to its size. It is thought its forces will also act as bodyguard for Congress members wherever they are in the country. [/restrict]
