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's disputed prime minister on ThursdayÌýdismissed calls for him to step down from power, two daysÌýafter his main political rival renewed demands for him to do so.

"We will not allow those who try to tamper with the security of the capital and harm civilians, we will look out for them,"Ìý, who came to power as interim premier as part of a UN-brokered peace process last year told the Council of Ministers.

"What exists is a political dispute that will only be resolved through elections," he said.

A long-running political crisis in Libya deepened inÌýFebruary when the eastern-based parliament picked former interior ministerÌýÌýto replace the government of Dbeibah.

Dbeibah has on numerous occasions refused to hand over power until elections are held.

Elections were meant to be held last December, but fell through amid disagreements overÌýrules and regulations, among other issues.Ìý

Bashagha on TuesdayÌýcalled on Dbeibah to step down as prime minister, and last week to enter Tripoli.

Troops loyal to Dbeibah were deployed south of the Libyan capital on Thursday eveningÌýin anticipation of a potential attack by forces linked with Bashagha,ÌýArabi 21 .

The United Nations said Thursday that it was watching events in Libya warily.

'We’re watching with concern the developments in Libya, including the mobilisation of forces, the threats of resorting to force for political aims," Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UNÌýSecretary-General Ìý°Õ³ó³Ü°ù²õ»å²¹²â.

"I think it’s very important that there is a de-escalation on that front and that everyone keeps in mind the needs of the Libyan people, and those needs are political harmony,Ìýthey’re peace," Dujarric said.

"Nobody wants to see anything go backwards."