Libyan rivals aim for new power-sharing deal

A major sticking point in talks remains who will command the national army

Representatives from Libya’s main rival power centres are welcoming proposals for a new powersharing deal and political transition period that would end with elections in about a year.

Speaking after talks that ended on Sunday night in the Tunisian capital Tunis, delegations from Libya’s east and west agreed to meet again in a week to discuss forming a three-member presidential council, which along with a prime minister would streamline government from the current nine-member council.

The head of the Eastern delegation, Abdul Salam Nassia, called the talks “constructive,” while his western counterpart Moussa Faraj described them as “positive and serious.”

Libya plunged into chaos following a 2011 Nato-backed uprising that ended with the killing of long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi.

A major sticking point in talks remains who will command the national army.

The diplomatic efforts come alongside an ongoing battle with Daesh militants.