Global powers back formation of national unity government in Libya

PanARMENIAN.Net - Global powers on Sunday, December 13, backed the formation of a national unity government in Libya, pledging economic and security support to help stabilize the chaotic North African country where Islamic State militants have a foothold, Reuters reports.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Italian counterpart Paolo Gentiloni, joined by UN envoy Martin Kobler, were optimistic that the majority of the representatives of Libya's two rival governments would sign a unity deal on December 16.

Representatives from 17 countries including Egypt, Germany, Russia, Turkey, and China signed a joint statement calling for an immediate ceasefire and promising to cut off contacts with factions that do not sign the deal.

Fifteen Libyans from different groups also attended the meeting. Past deadlines have slipped amid internal disagreements in the sprawling, oil-producing country rife with armed groups.

"We stand ready to support the implementation of the political agreement and underline our firm commitment to providing the Government of National Accord with full political backing and technical, economic, security and counter-terrorism assistance, as requested," the statement said.

Both Kerry and Gentiloni, who co-chaired the meeting, appeared confident a deal was around the corner, and stressed that a unity government was needed also to fight the growing threat from Islamic State militants.

"The message of today's meeting is clear," Gentiloni said. "What matters is the stabilization of Libya because this too can contribute to the fight against terrorism."