Libya's Top Court to Rule on New Government's Legality

Libya's supreme court is to issue a ruling next week on the legality of Ahmed Miitig's controversial election last month as interim prime minister, a court official said Thursday.

Outgoing premier Abdullah al-Thani announced last week that he would ask for a court ruling on the election before handing over power.

On Tuesday, however, he struck a conciliatory note and said he was prepared to do so.

"The verdict is being deliberated, and will be issued on Monday," the court official said.

Jurist Mohamed Salem Dhraa told Agence France Presse the verdict would then be communicated to the administrative court in charge of the issue, which would also give its final ruling on Monday.

In April, Thani announced his resignation after an armed attack on his family, and has insisted his successor be chosen by a new parliament rather than its contested predecessor.

Elections are to be held on June 25.