TRIPOLI: Rival interim governments are disputing power in Tripoli less than four weeks before a general election, claiming control of Libya’s huge currency reserves from oil and gas.

The power struggle is creating a quandary for foreign diplomats as the competing claimants trumpet their meetings as a vindication of their legitimacy.

Prime minister Abdullah Al-Thani had announced his intention to step down earlier this year after an armed attack on his family but he is insisting that his successor should be chosen by a new Parliament rather than its contested predecessor.

Prime minister Ahmed Miitig insists his election by the outgoing Parliament, largely boycotted by liberals for months, was valid and he has formed a rival administration which met Thursday in a Tripoli luxury hotel.

“We have got ourselves in a real bind,” said analyst Salem Al-Zarrouk. “Which of the two governments is the central bank going to deal with, who is going to hold the checkbook and who is going to sign the deals with foreign and domestic firms?”