Libyan factions agreed to continue UN-backed negotiations in Geneva next week over ending the country’s political crisis, the UN said yesterday.
Key representatives from a self-declared government based in Tripoli stayed away from this week’s talks, however, in a possible sign of movement, its main armed groups battling forces of Libya’s recognised government declared a ceasefire.
Nearly four years after a Nato-backed revolt ousted Muammar Gaddafi, Libya is in turmoil with two rival governments and two parliaments backed by allied armed factions who Western governments fear may drag the country into civil war.
The internationally recognised government of Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thinni and the elected House of Representatives have operated out of the east after a faction, Libya Dawn, took over Tripoli in the summer, set up its own government and reinstated the old parliament known as the GNC.
A delegation from the House of Representatives and parties allied to Tripoli attended this week’s talks in Geneva, but major representatives from Libya Dawn and the GNC parliament refused to join, casting doubt over efforts to form a unity administration.
“Participants agreed to return to Geneva next week for a new round of dialogue after holding the necessary consultations,” the UN said.
“The mission and the participants expressed their hope that all the invited representatives, including those who did not attend this round, would take part in the talks next week.”
Libya Dawn battling Thinni’s troops on several fronts and an allied group which has been trying to seize two eastern oil ports declared a ceasefire, said Ahmed Hadia, spokesman of a Misurata-based armed group called Central Shield.
“We are also seeking now to open safe corridors for aid in different conflict areas,” he said.
Thinni’s government is recognised by the UN and Western powers. The Tripoli administration is not, but still controls ministries, airports and some oil facilities.
Most diplomats pulled out of the capital when Libya Dawn took over Tripoli after months of fighting with rival armed groups. But in October, the Tripoli government’s premier Omar al-Hasi met Turkey’s envoy, the first such public meeting.
The EU has called the Geneva talks the “last chance” to resolve Libya’s crisis. Rival brigades of former rebels and their political allies, who once fought together against Gaddafi, have since turned against each other in a scramble for control.