Libya's restive eastern city of Benghazi was hit by a day of "civil
disobedience" on Sunday that saw some public buildings close and
included disruption to air traffic.
Civic groups late on Saturday urged the action to denounce security
problems in the nation's second city more than three years after the
onset of the revolution that ousted dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
They also demanded the suspension of the Tripoli-based General National
Congress (GNC), the country's highest political authority, and the
holding of parliamentary and presidential elections.
However, an AFP reporter said Sunday's day of action was only partly
observed, with some public institutions, schools and universities
closed, while others and many businesses stayed open.
The education ministry said all classes were being held as normal.
Air traffic was hardest hit, with the international airport closed and
all flights suspended "until further notice", an airport source said.
The GNC was elected in July 2012 to an 18-month mandate but stirred
popular anger by extending its term from early February until the end of
December this year.
Under pressure from demonstrators, it later announced early elections but gave no date for the vote.
Benghazi residents have staged repeated protests against the security
problems plaguing their city, the cradle of the uprising that toppled
Gaddafi.
Attacks in the city have claimed the lives of dozens of members of the
security forces, judges and foreigners since rebels killed Gaddafi in
October 2011.
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