The head of Libya’s unrecognized authority in charge of Tripoli said Wednesday he was refusing to hand over power to a UN-backed unity government, contradicting an earlier pledge by his administration.

The head of Libya's unrecognized authority in charge of Tripoli said Wednesday he was refusing to hand over power to a UN-backed unity government, contradicting an earlier pledge by his administration.

Khalifa Ghweil, chief of Tripoli's so-called National Salvation Government, issued a statement calling on ministers not to stand down and threatening to prosecute anyone who cooperates with the new government.

An earlier statement bearing the logo of the militia-backed Tripoli authority said its prime minister, deputy premiers and cabinet ministers were all stepping aside in support of the UN-backed administration.