Libyan parties reach deal without Tripoli

“Good progress has been achieved but crucial work remains to be completed in the near future, so that the Libyan people can soon harvest the fruits of peace”, he pointed out, calling on all members of the dialogue to “redouble their commitment and efforts in the spirit of reconciliation and compromise to save their country from the scourge of protracted conflict and agree swiftly on a government of national accord”.

The Tobruk government, recognised internationally, has welcomed what it called a “huge breakthrough”, urging all Libyan parties to overcome their differences and finalise the deal.

Following the last round of talks in Morocco earlier this month, Leon presented a draft agreement – the forth such proposal – outlining plans to form a unity government in Libya.

Libya has been split for almost a year between an elected parliament in the country’s far east and an Islamist-led government in Tripoli backed by militias.

“This agreement will bring a step, an important step in the road of peace in Libya”, United Nations Special Envoy Bernardino Leon told the ceremony attended by Arab and European officials. As I have said many times, there is no text that is entirely satisfactory to all parties and that responds to all their demands…

“The GNC representative was reluctant over the wording”, he said. “I am confident that in the weeks ahead we will try to clarify the issues that remain contentious”, he added.

This historical peace deal represents an important opportunity for the Libyans to restore stability and prevent the country’s slide towards deeper conflict and economic collapse that should not be missed.

There is hope that a GNC delegation might return to Skheirat for consultations on the final points of the draft deal after the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr. He has been declared the army chief by the Tobruk administration, but GNC want him removed.

It is viewed as an important step because the parties who wish to join the next period of negotiations would be required to abide by the wording of the draft accord.

Multiple groups have been trying to take control of the oil-rich nation, which has been reeling under an intense power struggle for four years ever since ex- dictator Muammar Gaddafi was ousted.