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UN mission in Libya holds 'urgent' talks

By AFP
Libya UN mission in Libya holds 'urgent' talks
FEB 25, 2015 LISTEN

Tripoli (AFP) - The UN mission in Libya said Wednesday it is holding urgent consultations with rival factions aimed at resuming a political dialogue after the internationally recognised parliament suspended its participation.

"The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) is undertaking a series of urgent consultations with the parties to ensure the convening of the next round of talks soon," a statement said.

It appealed to "all parties not to allow this window of opportunity to slip away," while calling on them to "renew their commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Libyan crisis".

Among the priorities was the urgent need to reach an agreement on a "strong and independent government," said UNSMIL.

Other priorities included "combatting terrorism," which threatened the political process and the "security and stability of the country and the region".

On Monday, Libya's internationally recognised parliament suspended its participation in UN-brokered talks, saying it would explain why later.

But it did say the decision came "after last Friday's terrorist attacks in Al-Qoba," which killed 40 people and was claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group.

Libya is awash with weapons, and opposing militias are battling for control of its cities and oil wealth.

It has two rival governments and parliaments, those recognised by the international community sitting in the far east of the country and the others with ties to Islamists in the capital, Tripoli.

Since launching efforts at dialogue in September, UN envoy Bernardino Leon has been unable to bring together leading players from the rival camps.

The United Nations had invited the elected parliament and its Tripoli rival, the Islamist-dominated General National Congress, to the new round of talks on Thursday in Morocco.

On February 11, Leon met separately with officials from both sides in southern Libya and reported that the indirect talks were "positive and constructive".

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