Roundup: Int'l conference in Rome endorses UN-backed deal for unity gov't in Libya

Representatives of the international community at a Rome conference on Libya endorsed on Sunday a UN-backed deal aimed at bringing Libyan rival factions to a unity government.

Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry co-chaired the meeting, which was attended by ministers from 17 countries and 4 international organizations (United Nations, European Union, Arab League, and African Union).

The UN Special Envoy for Libya Martin Kobler flanked Gentiloni and Kerry at the event.

"Today, an unprecedented convergence has occurred (among international players) to fully support the decisions announced by the Libyan inter-dialogue few days ago," Gentiloni said at a joint press held with Kerry and Kobler after the meeting.

"We will unanimously support the agreement that is due to be signed (by Libyan factions) next week, because time is running out and we need to accelerate the solution of the Libyan crisis also with respect to the terrorist threats," the Italian foreign minister added.

Ministers from Western powers, China, Russia, and Libya's neighbors took part in the meeting, as well as those from countries playing a major influence over the Libyan factions such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey.

On Sunday afternoon, they were joined by some 15 representatives of the Libyan factions that are part of the two rival parliaments currently fighting for power in the country.

Since 2014, Libya is divided between two administrations, the internationally recognized House of Representatives (HoR) based in the eastern city of Tobruk and the the General National Congress (GNC) based in Tripoli, in western Libya.

Meanwhile, the growing presence of the so-called Islamic State (IS) group in Libya, and especially in the coastal city of Sirte, was a factor of major concerns for the international community.

After UN-sponsored peace negotiations dragged on fruitlessly for over one year, representatives from both Libyan factions declared last week in Tunis that they were ready to sign a deal on Dec. 16 to form a national unity government.

Since similar announcements had already been neglected in the past, there were doubts on Sunday on whether the Libyan parts agreeing on the deal would hold on their commitment.

Yet, the conference confirmed the peace agreement would be signed on Wednesday in Morocco.

"The majority of the two (Libyan) parts came here today ready to sign the agreement, and move forward," U.S. Secretary of State Kerry told the press conference.

"We cannot allow the current status quo to go on: it is dangerous for Libya, the Libyans, and now, with the increasing presence of the Islamic State group, for everyone," Kerry added.

Libyan leaders who were ready to sign the peace deal would speak "for most Libyans," according to Kerry.

Ministers at the conference also pledged to continue supporting the whole stabilization process.

"We stand ready to support the implementation of the political agreement, and underline our firm commitment to providing the Government of National Accord with full political backing and technical, economic, security, and counter-terrorism assistance, as requested," they said in a joint statement. Endit