UN proposes unity govt in Libya

Risingbd Desk: The United Nations envoy for Libya has proposed the formation of a national unity government after months of difficult talks.

UN envoy Bernardino Leon told a news conference in Morocco that Fayez Sarraj would be nominated as prime minister.

But both parliaments must back the deal and some MPs cast doubt on the UN plan.

Abdulsalam Bilashahir, of the Tripoli-based General National Congress (GNC), said: "We are not a part of this (proposed) government. It means nothing to us and we were not consulted."

Ibrahim Alzaghiat, of the House of Representatives (HoR), based in Tobruk, said: "This proposed government will lead to the division of Libya and will turn it into a joke. Mr Leon`s choice was unwise."

A loose alliance of militias, including Islamists, seized the capital, Tripoli, in August 2014 and reinstated the GNC, forcing the existing and internationally recognised government to flee to the eastern city of Tobruk.

Libya`s politicians have faced increasing pressure from the West to reach agreement on a unity government.

Libya has suffered years of unrest since the overthrow of dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

Source: Agencies

Risingbd/Oct 9, 2015/Mukul