UN Urges Rapid Libya Accord
Local Editor
The United Nations urged Libyan lawmakers who signed a separate peace proposal to back a UN-sponsored deal between the country's warring factions, saying remaining differences could be worked out after the accord.
After a year of negotiations, the UN proposed a national unity deal between Libya's two rival governments and their parliaments, the first is based in Tripoli, and the second is an internationally recognized one based in the east.
Western powers have backed the UN proposal as the only solution to a conflict that is allowing "ISIS" militants to gain a foothold in the North African oil producing country.
Although moderates in both camps have accepted the agreement, but hardliners are resisting any deal to end the conflict four years after a NATO-backed rebellion ousted Muammar Gaddafi.
Relatively, a group of lawmakers from Tripoli's General National Congress [GNC] and the House of Representatives over the weekend announced in Tunisia a separate deal without UN involvement, saying they would put that to the vote in each parliament.
UN envoy to Libya Martin Kobler said in a statement late on Monday: "I encourage those who still oppose to join the majority; the remaining questions can be addressed after forming the new government."
For their part, Western governments and Libyan leaders plan to meet in Rome next week to push the factions to agree to the UN proposal that calls for a presidential committee of representatives to name a government.
However, splits within each faction delayed the signing of any deal with each camp demanding more concessions. Opponents say the agreement does not address key points on balance of power and security arrangements such as the new Libyan army.
The internationally recognized government and the elected House of Representatives now operate in the east backed by another coalition of former rebels and a former Gaddafi ally Gen. Khalifa Haftar who they named armed forces commander.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team
