Tripoli, April 25 (RHC)-- The self-proclaimed government of the National Transitional Council (NTC) in Libya has banned the formation of parties on religious and tribal grounds, admitting their inability to stop fighting between militias of former insurgents.

During a legislative session that ended late Tuesday night, members of the NTC adopted a law that prohibits political formations based on religious, tribal or regional considerations. 

According to National Transitional Council member Mustafa Landi, the legislation is the first of its kind adopted in this North African nation since 1964, and also requires a minimum of 250 founding members for each group to be created and 100 for any other political entity.

Another member of the governing council, Baaja Fathi, told reporters in Tripoli that the legislation is not intended to override moderate Islamists, among whom is the president of the NTC, Mustafa Abdul-Jalil, but so-called 'radical elements.'  His comment was based on the perception that Islamic extremist groups or fundamentalists are trying to occupy seats in the Constituent Assembly, to be elected in June.

The ruling Libyan government is still finding it difficult to maintain control over rival groups.  Earlier this week, the Libyan government took control of Tripoli's international airport from the militia that has run it since Muammar Gaddafi was deposed last year.

The NTC wants to absorb the militias into the police force and army, but the small number of people signing up at the Interior Ministry's main recruitment center in Tripoli has shown that most militia members are still reluctant to join the government.

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