Libya Unity Government Announced

Local Editor

Rival Libyan factions negotiating through a UN-brokered process announced a unity government under a disputed deal aimed at stemming the chaos and bloodshed that engulfed the country since its 2011 uprising.

In a statement issued early Tuesday, the Unity Presidential Council formed under the plan named a total of 32 ministers drawn from across the country. The council pushed back the deadline for naming the government by 48 hours, amid reports of disputes over the distribution of ministerial posts.

In addition, the council included representatives from Libya's two rival parliaments, which meet in the capital, Tripoli, and in the Far East, as well as delegates from other factions.

Meanwhile, the agreement was rejected by other members of both main factions.

However, it is not clear where the new government would be based or if it can govern the oil-rich North African country although the Unity Presidential Council meets in neighboring Tunisia.

In the context, UN envoy Martin Kolber said: "I congratulate Libyan people and Presidency Council on formation of Government of National Accord."

Kolber also called on Libya's rival parliaments to endorse the unity government, although less than half of lawmakers have signed up to the deal.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team