TRIPOLI, Libya - A Libyan official says a committee that will help integrate former revolutionary fighters back into civilian life has been allocated $8 billion dollars to get started.
Thousands of civilians took up arms against Moammar Gadhafi's regime when protests turned violent in February. Disarming the militias is a key challenge facing the new rulers, who took over in August. There have been bloody clashes between rival militias.
Warriors Affairs Committee head Mustafa al-Sagizli says the money will be spent to fund programs, such as language and computer training, as well as micro-credit loans to start small businesses.
He told reporters Monday he expects 200,000 fighters to sign up for the committee's programs.
He said many of those who complete training will eventually be employed by the government.
