Political talks on Libya's future, taking place in Tunisia, have reached a breakthrough, the United Nations acting Libya envoy said on Wednesday, with agreement on elections within 18 months.
The participants agreed on a roadmap to elections that outlines steps to unite Libya's institutions, Stephanie Williams said at a news conference in Tunis.
The gathering is the latest in efforts to end the political chaos that engulfed the North African nation after the 2011 overthrow and killing of Libyan leader Moammar al-Gaddafi. The UN had selected 75 delegates from Libya to take part in the six-day forum at a luxury hotel in the Mediterranean town of Gammarth, just outside the capital of Tunis.
Previous diplomatic initiatives to end the conflict have repeatedly collapsed. The Tunisia talks, however, came amid heavy international pressure. Warring sides agreed to a UN-brokered ceasefire agreement last month in Geneva.
A new government, expected to be created by the ongoing UN-brokered talks, would “launch national reconciliation, combat corruption, and restore public services.” Williams added on Monday.
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