Algeria, U.S. endorse Libya's efforts toward peace, reconciliation

Algeria and the United States on Monday discussed the crisis in violence-ridden Libya, as both nations reiterated their support for the newly formed government headed by Faiz al-Serradj.

The Libyan issue was on top agenda of visiting U.S.-Special Envoy for Libya, Jonathan Winer, who met in Algiers with Algerian Minister for Maghreb Affairs, African Union and Arab League, Abdelkader Messahel.

Winer told reporters after the meeting that the two countries share convergent views regarding the political settlement of the crisis in Libya. He further indicated that Algiers and Washington are committed to helping Libya achieve reconciliation and safeguard national unity.

Winer's visit came less than a month after that of Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Thomas Shannon, who also discussed the Libyan crisis with senior Algerian officials.

Algeria reaffirmed support to Libya amid growing challenges of the establishment of new institutions, the fight against terrorism and restoring peace and security.

Libyan protagonists reached a shaky peace accord following UN-sponsored talks held in the Moroccan resort of Skhirat later last year, while a national unity government and a cabinet were established.

Prime Minister Al Siraj's top mission is to unite Libya's two warring parliaments to ultimately battle the fast-growing forces of Islamic State militant.

Libya now has two rival parliaments, namely the internationally recognized one, based in the eastern port city of Tobruk, and the General National Congress (GNC) based in capital city Tripoli.

Earlier this month, Libya's self-proclaimed government in Tripoli decided to step down. The move comes less than one week after the UN-backed government had entered the capital Tripoli. Endit