New Libyan government expected within 10 days

"Government to be announced within a week, 10 days maximum," Jibril told reporters on Tuesday, adding the ministers could be divided between the east and west of the country.

Jibril was speaking in New York immediately following an official yet unexpected visit to Malta to, along with NTC chairperson Moustafa Jalil, thank Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi for Malta's support.

"I'm not bothered by (the) time ... to bring about national consensus," he said.

He was speaking at a press conference hosted by G8 foreign ministers after the new Libyan leaders were welcomed to the United Nations, enshrining their new-found status after ousting long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi.

On Sunday Jibril delayed the unveiling of a new Libyan government, saying it was held up by last-minute haggling.

Jibril, a former Gaddafi regime official, said then that many of the portfolios for the new cabinet had been agreed, but there were still discussions going on over others.

"Most of the work has been done. It is a question of the number of ministries and the location of the ministries."

He said they could all be in the capital, Tripoli, but it was possible they could be divided between between the east and west of Libya.

The transitional council was based in Benghazi in the east of the country. Tripoli is in the west.

"For a country which was absent from any democratic process for 42 years from any institutions, from any democratic culture, what's taking place is natural," said Jibril.

"I think we better have good consultation, we had better talk before we act.

"I think this government, when formed, will help tremendously to bring about stability and order in Tripoli and the rest of the country.

 “Government to be announced within a week, 10 days maximum,” Jibril told reporters on Tuesday, adding the ministers could be divided between the east and west of the country.

“I'm not bothered by (the) time ... to bring about national consensus,” he said.

He was speaking at a press conference hosted by G8 foreign ministers after the new Libyan leaders were welcomed to the United Nations, enshrining their new-found status after ousting long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi.

On Sunday Jibril delayed the unveiling of a new Libyan government, saying it was held up by last-minute haggling.

Jibril, a former Gaddafi regime official, said then that many of the portfolios for the new cabinet had been agreed, but there were still discussions going on over others.

“Most of the work has been done. It is a question of the number of ministries and the location of the ministries.”

He said they could all be in the capital, Tripoli, but it was possible they could be divided between the east and west of Libya.

The transitional council was based in Benghazi in the east of the country, while Tripoli lies in the west.

“For a country which was absent from any democratic process for 42 years from any institutions, from any democratic culture, what's taking place is natural,” Jibril said.

“I think we better have good consultation, we had better talk before we act,” he added. “I think this government, when formed, will help tremendously to bring about stability and order in Tripoli and the rest of the country.