U.N. threatens Libya sanctions, urges negotiations

The United Nations Security Council pressed Libya's warring factions to urgently form a unity government and threatened sanctions against those behind spiraling violence.

In a declaration adopted by consensus, the 15 council members urged the parties taking part in peace talks to "agree on arrangements on the formation of a national unity government to end Libya's political, security and institutional crisis."

A meeting attended by political party leaders and activists took place on Monday in Algiers under UN auspices, with participants hoping to reach an accord to end the chaos and violence that has engulfed Libya since the 2011 uprising that toppled dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

"Expressing deep concern about the continuing violence in Libya, the members of the Security Council reaffirmed that there can be no military solution to the crisis in Libya and called on all parties to cease hostilities to create a peaceful and conducive environment for an inclusive dialogue," the statement said.

The council also warned it was "prepared to sanction those who threaten Libya's peace, stability or security or that obstruct or undermine the successful completion of its political transition."