Libya’s UN Envoy to Discuss Peace Plan with Rival Lawmakers

Local Editor

UN envoy Bernardino Leon was to hold talks with members of the General National Congress parliament which boycotted a UN peace deal for the conflict-hit country, both sides said Thursday.

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya said Leon would hold "consultations" with GNC representatives in Algiers Thursday night and Friday "to discuss ways to reinforce and move forward the dialogue process."

Plunged into chaos after the 2011 overthrow and killing of strongman Moammar Gadhafi, Libya had two parliaments and governments vying for power, as a slew of armed groups battle for control of its oil wealth.

The elected parliament, which is recognized by the international community, initialed a UN draft deal on July 11 aimed at setting up a national unity government and holding fresh elections.

Members of political parties, civil society and local officials also signed the agreement, but the GNC refused to endorse it, saying it was "unsatisfactory" and calling for "modifications."

On Thursday the GNC, which is based in Tripoli and was installed by the powerful militia alliance Fajr Libya that seized the capital last year, said it was sending a delegation to Algiers for talks with Leon.

The delegation, headed by GNC chief Nuri Abusahmein, will meet Leon "to discuss the latest developments concerning the political dialogue brokered by the UN," it said on its website.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team