Roundup: EU hails signing of Libya Political Agreement

The European Union (EU) welcomed the signing of the Libya Political Agreement, a UN-brokered peace plan, EU foreign policy chief said in a statement on Thursday.

Delegations from the two Libyan factions based in Tripoli and Tobruk have signed the deal in the Moroccan city of Skhirat earlier on the day.

"A historic step has been taken today towards restoring peace and stability for the Libyan people," Federica Mogherini said in her statement on behalf of the EU.

The EU pledged its support to the upcoming Government of National Accord, saying it will no longer have official contacts with individuals claiming to be part of institutions which are not validated by the Libya political agreement.

"The EU stands ready to offer immediate and substantial support in a number of different areas that will be prioritized together with the Libyan authorities," Mogherini said.

Libya has been suffering a political crisis with two rival parliaments and governments battling for legitimacy amid a state of insecurity and anarchy years after the downfall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi.

The United Nations has sponsored dialogue sessions between Libyan rivals since September 2014, in and outside Libya, in order to end the country's political division.

The global community expected the deal will end the defacto anarchy and the security vacuum that has given rise to extremist groups including the Islamic State. Endit