Libya's tribes meet to make peace, end skirmishes

[tabatha]

By Francois Murphy and Taha Zargoun
ZAWIYAH, Libya | Sat Nov 26, 2011 7:37pm GMT

(Reuters) - Libyan tribal leaders met on Saturday in the hope of easing tensions between clans in a country where the new central government is still weak, weapons abound and rival militias sometimes lock horns. The National Transitional Council (NTC) convened the conference in Zawiyah, the site of a major skirmish between a militia from the coastal city and fighters from the Wershifanna tribe over a strategic military base this month. The NTC hopes a tradition of mediation between tribal chiefs can nip such clashes in the bud.

"This is a tribal society. In my tribe, there are 14 families. If I say one word, everyone will obey," said Lamin Mohammed al-Farjani, from the town of Msalata near Tripoli. "If the elders order it, all the weapons will be handed over. It would accelerate the process."

At the opening of the three-day meeting, tribal leaders in traditional dress reflected the diversity of a country four times the size of Iraq, most of which is desert. Delegates wore outfits ranging from suits to flowing Tuareg robes and turbans.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/11/26/uk-libya-tribes-idUKTRE7AP0KQ20111126