Libya's New FM Takes Control of Ministry

The foreign minister of Libya's unity government on Monday formally moved into his ministerial offices in the capital Tripoli, as the Government of National Accord struggles to assert its authority.

Mohamad Taher Siala, a foreign ministry employee for three decades, "officially took up his post" at the ministry building, Libyan news agency LANA reported.

He is the latest member of the embattled GNA to take control of a ministry building in the divided oil-rich country since May 25, following those of health, interior and national education.

The U.N.-backed GNA has taken control of several administrative offices over the past two months.

But since designated prime minister Fayez al-Sarraj made a dramatic arrival and set up headquarters at a Tripoli naval base on March 30, the GNA has faced a raft of resistance from its opponents.

A rival government in the east is refusing to cede power until a repeatedly delayed vote of confidence is passed in Libya's elected parliament.