Libyan PM visits Algeria to boost political consultations

Prime Minister of Libya's internationally recognised government Abdullah al-Thani said on Tuesday that Algeria plays a key role in helping promote stability in Libya.

Al-Thani arrived on Tuesday in Algeria as part of a two-day working visit to boost bilateral political consultations. He held talks with his Algerian counterpart Abdelmalek Sellal.

The Libyan leader said his visit aims to boost bilateral cooperation, adding that the two nations share "strong and long standing relations."

Upon his arrival to Algiers international airport, Mr. al-Thani told reporters that "Algeria will play a more significant role in bridging the gap between Libyan disputing parties before establishing reconciliation and settling the crisis there."

Algiers hosted two rounds of talks between Libyan political figures and activists in March and April, as they agreed to commit to dialogue as the way to restore peace in their war-torn nation.

They also voiced rejection of any foreign military intervention in their country.

Libya, a major oil producer in North Africa, has witnessed a frayed political process following the toppling of its leader Muammar Gaddafi during the 2011 political turmoil.

The country is now deadlocked in a dogfight between the pro-secular army and Islamist militants.

The capital city of Tripoli fell into the hands of Libya Dawn last August. The armed Islamist coalition has established its own government to confront the internationally recognized one, currently in exile in the eastern town of Tobruk.

Forces loyal to the two major factions have been fighting with each other in cities such as Tripoli, Benghazi and Gharyan, causing a humanitarian crisis forcing at least 120,000 people to leave their homes, as well as shortage of food and medical supplies along with mounting casualties.

The UN held several rounds of dialogue between the warring parties since September 2014, but clashes continue despite an agreed upon truce. Endit