Libyan factions ready for talks as G7 calls for ‘bold decisions’

SKHIRAT (MOROCCO): Libya’s warring factions geared up for crunch talks on Monday as world leaders called for “bold political decisions” to prevent the oil-rich nation crumbling into a failed state.

Amid warnings that chaos in Libya has allowed the IS militant group to make inroads on Europe’s doorstep, United Nations envoy Bernardino Leon is pushing for an agreement before the start of the holy month of Ramadan on June 17. “The timing for fighting has passed, the moment for bold political decisions has come,” G7 leaders said in a closing statement after a summit in Germany.

“Libyan leaders must now grasp the opportunity to conclude these negotiations and form a Government of National Accord accountable to the Libyan people.”

Libya plunged into chaos after a 2011 NATO-backed uprising toppled and killed veteran leader Muammar Gaddafi, with the heavily-armed former rebels carving out fiefdoms across the country.

Militant groups have exploited the lawlessness, which has also prompted a huge influx of migrants trying to make the dangerous crossing to Europe, with shipwrecks leaving hundreds dead and the European Union straining to respond.

Three previous rounds of peace negotiations between Libya’s rival parliaments and governments have failed to reach an accord.

The talks in the Moroccan seaside resort town of Skhirat “will discuss a new draft” of a political agreement to end the conflict, the UN mission to Libya said on Friday. “UNSMIL is of the firm conviction that this round will be decisive,” the mission said.

Saying Libya was at a “critical juncture”, the mission called on the country’s rivals “to shoulder their historic responsibilities” by reaching a peace deal.

A source close to negotiations said talks would start at 1800 GMT.