Libyan parliament officially named 'State of Libya'

Libya’s parliament has formally agreed to change the country's official title to “the State of Libya,” removing the word “Jamahiria” introduced by former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. The decision is also expected to include the country's new constitution. Controversy reportedly surrounded the parliament session held on Tuesday, at which members discussed the matter. Speaker of Libya’s parliament Mohammed Megaryef explained the importance of taking the step, demanding national authorities adopt the new name in all official paperwork and communications. Last week, Megaryef announced that the assassination attempt on his life during a visit to the Libyan city of Sabha was carried out by “unknown individuals,” stressing that investigations had not yet revealed who was involved in the incident. He blamed the current “sensitivity” of tribal relations in the country.