Algiers – The UN has urged Libyan lawmakers who signed a separate peace proposal to back the bloc’s sponsored deal between the country’s warring factions.
The development followed negotiations and proposal for a national unity deal between Libya’s two rival governments and their parliaments, one based in Tripoli, and the internationally recognised one in the East.
It would be recalled that Western powers backed the UN proposal as the only solution to a conflict that is allowing Islamic State militants to gain a foothold in Libya.
Moderates in both camps have accepted the UN agreement, but hardliners are resisting any deal to end the conflict four years after a NATO-backed rebellion ousted Muammar Gaddafi.
A group of lawmakers from Tripoli’s General National Congress (GNC) and the House of Representatives on Dec.5 announced in Tunisia a separate deal without UN involvement and said they would put that to the vote in each parliament.
“I encourage those who still oppose to join the majority, the remaining questions can be addressed after forming the new government,” U.N. envoy, Martin Kobler said in a statement late on Monday.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560″]
“I have met today the two delegations of HOR and GNC, who signed a declaration in Tunis yesterday and urged them to join the process, Libyan people cannot tolerate any more delay.”
Western governments and Libyan leaders plan to meet in Rome in Mid December to push the factions to agree to the UN proposal that calls for a presidential committee of representatives to name a government.
But splits within each faction have 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.
However, a group of lawmakers from the House of Representatives said on Monday they still backed the UN deal rejecting any separate negotiations.
It would be recalled that after the fall of Gaddafi, rival brigades of former rebels who once fought together turned against one another, fighting for control of the country and its resources(Reuters/NAN)