#Libya: Large Number of Police Officers Submit Resignation to Allow Restructuring

A large number of police officers and members of the police force in Libya have submitted their resignation to allow the restructuring of the force, the Libyan news agency, LANA has reported These officers have taken an option offered them by Libya's Interior Minister Mr Ashour Swail of either committing themselves to new rules in their working conditions, else take early retirement. The have decided to resign thus giving way to the restructuring of the new force A spokesman for the ministry has said that a third option also existed, that is that if they so desired they could be transferred to work in the civil service. He added however, that most have preferred to opt for the early retirement scheme The ministry of interior is putting pressure on policemen who have not been reporting for duty since last year's conflict that eventually ousted from power former dictator Gaddafi, to either return to their jobs or face legal proceedings that could lead to their expulsion. Prime Minister Dr Ali Zidan said that his government has put the country's security top of its agenda and at a press conference on Thursday he said the government “will concentrate on the reactivation of the army and the sifting of personnel,” and is trying to rebuild a new police force with high moral and without the corrupt elements that characterised the police under the dead dictator's regime. At the same time, Dr Zidan guaranteed “an honourable life” to those deciding to stay and make a career of their job. He said the government was determined to modernise the new security organs. He pointed out that in order to do so, he was in constant contact with the ministries of defence and the interior, and also with the Chief of Staff on a daily basis, sometimes even more, to plan the restructuring. What could have prompted the new measures are the increasing number of high profile incidents recently that necessitate the enhancement of security to be able to efficiently tackle security problems in parts of the country.