Magharebia

Libya's new General National Congress will hold its first session on Thursday (August 9th) at its temporary headquarters, the upscale Rixos Al Nasr hotel in Tripoli. The oldest member of the legislative assembly will head the meeting, while notes will be taken by the youngest elected member.

The National Congress will lead Libya for 18 months, during which a new constitution for the country will be drafted. The body will also define new election rules for the country.

On Wednesday night, the 200-seat assembly formally assumed control from Libya's National Transitional Council (NTC).

Speaking at the handover ceremony, NTC chief Mustafa Abdel Jalil welcomed what he called a "historic moment" for all Libyans. He admitted, however, that "mistakes" had been made during the transition period and noted lingering security and disarmament issues.

The congress is expected to face major challenges, including security, disarmament, army and police reconstruction, and putting the wheels of the economy into motion.