New UN envoy meets rival Libyan gov'ts, urge talks

The newly appointed UN Special Envoy to Libya Martin Kobler on Saturday met Libya's two rival governments, urging them to continue with the peace dialogue that has been interrupted for a month.

Kobler discussed the latest developments of the UN-sponsored political dialogue with the internationally recognized parliament and government in the eastern city of Tobruk. On the same day, he flew to Tripoli to talk with the self-declared rival Islamist parliament and government.

The once oil-rich country is now juggling two rival parliaments and governments, with Tripoli controlled by Islamist-backed Libya Dawn forces, and the internationally recognized government operating in the eastern town of Tobruk.

In his first formal meeting inside Libya, Kobler stressed that he represents continuity, and he will accomplish the tasks left by his predecessor Bernardino Leon.

"Now my message was very clear: I will take up the process where my predecessor left it. " Kobler told members of the House of Representatives.

Kobler also met Nuri Abu-Sahmein, head of Tripoli's General National Congress to discuss the possibility of resuming peace talks.

The envoy on Tuesday took office from Bernardino Leon as the new UN Special Envoy and Head of UN Support Mission in Libya.

UN Support Mission in Libya has been sponsoring political dialogue between the country's rival parties for more than a year, both in and out of Libya, in order to end to the ongoing political division. Endit