Libya interior minister withdraws his resignation

TRIPOLI, Libya — Libya's interim interior minister has canceled his resignation, tendered after attacks on Sufi Muslim shrines as police watched, prompting harsh criticism from the country's newly elected parliament.

Fawzi Abdel-Al told reporters Tuesday that he was withdrawing his resignation, calling on his forces to carry out their duties.

Parliament questioned Abdel-Al over last weekend's attacks by ultraconservative Muslims against religious shrines across the country.

Lawmakers said the forces were infiltrated by backers of deposed dictator Moammar Gadhafi. They blamed Abdel-Al for the worsening security situation in the country, parts of which are controlled by rival groups with arms left over from last year's civil war.

Abdel-Al said his resignation Sunday didn't improve conditions on the ground. Some security commanders ordered their forces off the streets following criticism from the lawmakers.