Algeria, Egypt, Italy urge Libya to form national unity gov't

Foreign ministers of Algeria, Egypt and Italy on Monday vowed to pursue backing UN-sponsored peace process to end the four-year Libyan conflict.

The ministers held a tripartite meeting to discuss the Libyan crisis in Algiers.

Algerian Foreign Minister Abdelkader Messahel said the draft UN political agreement for the resolution of the Libyan crisis is "consensual enough" to be an initiative for a transitional era in Libya.

He said Algeria backs UN' efforts to encourage Libyans to form a national unity government capable of ensuring a transitional era. He urged the Libyan warring parties to "place the interests of the Libyan people above any consideration in order to reach peace and stability."

The tripartite meeting reflects the concern of Algeria, Egypt and Italy about the situation in Libya, Messahel added.

The foreign ministers of Egypt and Italy echoed Messahel with their support on UN efforts to help Libyans form a national unity government.

Libyan Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said this trilateral meeting is "crucial and decisive for the stability in Libya." He said the formation of a national unity government is a "sovereign decision belonging exclusively to Libyans."

In September, Libya's internationally recognized government led by Khalifa Ghweil, and Libya Dawn, an alliance of Islamist former militias, signed a UN-sponsored peace and reconciliation draft agreement in Skhirat, near Morocco's capital.

Libya, a major oil producer in North Africa, has been witnessing a frayed political process after former leader Muammar Gaddafi was toppled during the 2011 political turmoil.

The country is now deadlocked in a dogfight between the pro-secular army and Islamist militants, which has led to a security vacuum for homegrown extremism to brew. Endit