Thousands of major tribal leaders, militia commanders and politicians have declared a semi-autonomous region in oil-rich eastern Libya. Tuesday’s ceremony held in the eastern city of Benghazi was intended to end decades of marginalization under former ruler Muammar Gaddafi. A special council will to run the affairs of the newly-created region, extending from the central coastal city of Sirte to the Egyptian border in the east, AP said. The ruling National Transitional Council earlier opposed the creation of an eastern region, saying it may lead to the country’s breakup.