Libya: Islamists snubbed in 'safe', secular cabinet

Libya's National Transitional Council (NTC) named a new cabinet yesterday with the aim of easing rivalries between regional factions and setting the country on a path to democracy ahead of elections next year.

No Islamists were included in the cabinet, which appeared to have been chosen with an impetus on regional representation rather than experience.

"All of Libya is represented," Prime Minister Abdurrahim El-Keib told a news conference as he unveiled the line-up. The new cabinet will include as defence minister Osama Al-Juwali, commander of the military council in the town of Zintan, who appeared to have staked his claim to the job after his forces captured Saif al-Islam Gaddafi.

New footage of Saif al-Islam after his capture emerged yesterday amid reports from a rebel fighter that his fingers were chopped off by his captors.