Libyan region declares semi-autonomy

BENGHAZI, Libya, March 6 (UPI) -- Civic leaders in eastern Libya declared semi-autonomy for the oil-rich region of Cyrenaica at a meeting attended by some 2,000 people, observers said.

Supporters of the move said the region has been neglected for decades and residents should be in charge of local matters, the BBC reported Tuesday.

It is not clear what degree of autonomy the region is seeking and will likely be the subject of debate with the governing National Transitional Council in Tripoli over the coming months, the BBC said.

Libya's National Transitional Council has argued against federalism on grounds it could resulting in breaking up the country.