Yearlong Libyan peace talks continue as UN mediator steps aside

Though Libyan peace talks remain unresolved after one year of discussions, outgoing UN negotiator Bernadino Leon told the UN Security Council Thursday that a political agreement is as urgently needed as ever.

"There is a growing sense of urgency, and an insistence that the country should no longer be held hostage to narrow interests of a few on either side of the political divide," said Leon, who is the special representative of the UN Secretary-General and head of the UN Support Mission in Libya.

Leon said that the current proposed political agreement was the result of a yearlong process of negotiations and compromises that sought to create a viable middle ground all Libyans can meet.

"Libya's leaders have a unique opportunity to reach a political settlement that spares their country and people further bloodshed and destruction," he said.

He acknowledged that the agreement was not meant to be a panacea but urged Libya's political leaders to consider it a vital and urgent starting step forward.

For Leon, the peace negotiations have continued longer than expected. He had earlier expressed hopes that Libya -- currently ruled by two rival governments, one in Tripoli and one in Tobruk -- would have a single government of national unity by Sept. 20, and a final peace deal signed by Oct. 20.

Instead, Leon's successor Martin Kobler of Germany will have to continue to work towards achieving both of these crucial aims where Leon has left off when he takes over from Leon in the coming days.

Leon's departure has also raised questions about his own personal negotiations with his future employer in the United Arab Emirates, with some questioning whether the new post represented a conflict of interest to his role as mediator in Libya.

Responding to questions about whether there was a conflict of interest for Leon, UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Thursday that Leon's work in Libya should speak for itself.

Members of the UN Security Council, including China, reiterated calls for a political solution to the Libyan crisis on Thursday.

"A political settlement remains the best way to bring peace and security to the Libyan people," said Matthew Rycroft, the United Kingdom's ambassador to the UN. "The violence must stop; there can be no military solution to the current crisis."

The United Kingdom holds the rotating council presidency for October.

Libya's permanent representative to the United Nations, Ibrahim Dabbashi, conveyed thanks to Leon for his efforts acknowledging that he had labored under very difficult conditions.

After months of talks, the United Nations has drafted a deal to form a national unity government, but both sides differ on some parts of the accord, thus stalling the final agreement.

Libya has been mired in a conflict between its internationally-recognized government and elected parliament on one side, and a self-styled administration holding Tripoli on the other. Enditem