UN urges Libya rival parties to reach agreement

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Monday called on Libyan rival parties to redouble efforts to reach a political agreement and form a unified national government, according its statement issued on Monday.

"The UNSMIL calls on the main political stakeholders in Libya to redouble their efforts in bringing the Libyan political dialogue process to a successful conclusion that would allow for an agreement to form the much anticipated Government of National Accord and for the resumption of Libya's democratic transition," the statement said.

The peace talks has lasted for over a year without major results between Libya's two rival parliaments, one based in Tripoli which is supported by Islamist militants, and the elected one in Tobruk.

The UN has been pushing for a unity government for the rival factions to accept or to scrap the whole dialogue.

Although the UN Special Envoy to Libya Bernandino Leon had several times released positive signals on the progress, saying that final deal is just around the corner, the situation is still harsh.

Lawmakers from Libya's two rival parliaments both have expressed objections on the UN proposal, saying the peace plan was unrealistic.

Libya has been witnessing a frayed political process after fall of its former leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011.

The country is now suffering a political crisis with two rival parliaments and governments battling for legitimacy. Endit