Libya’s UN envoy says army could be regionalized
UN’s Kobler said military councils are being formed to represent different Libyan regions
The United Nations envoy to Libya says its reconstituted army could be decentralized, an idea aimed at easing the political gridlock surrounding an internationally-backed unity government.
Martin Kobler on Wednesday confirmed reports that the formation of military councils representing Libya’s western, eastern and southern regions is being discussed.
He spoke to The Associated Press after holding talks with various Libyan figures in Cairo aimed at resolving the rivalry between the UN-backed government in the capital, Tripoli, and rival authorities based in the east.
A key point of contention has been the leadership of the army and the future of Gen. Khalifa Hifter, the head of armed forces based in the east, who is deeply unpopular in western Libya. Kobler says his requests for a meeting with Hifter have been denied.
Also Read
-
Saudi FM, Kerry hold impromptu talks on ISIS
They also discussed the need for a political transition in Syria, the situation in Libya, the effort to reach a political resolution in Yemen Middle East -
Qaddafi’s son Saif ‘still in prison’ in west Libya
A military source has contradicted media reports that Saif, jailed since the 2011 uprising that toppled his father, had been released Middle East -
Libya oil guards back NOC state oil company
Militant attacks, fighting between rival factions and a conflict between two rival governments have kept Libya’s oil production low Energy -
Sirte battle risks widening Libya political splits
For Western powers the fragile Tripoli government of Prime Minister Fayaz Seraj is the only way to bring together factions Features -
Air strikes in Libya siege on ISIS in Sirte
The fall of Sirte would be a major blow to ISIS, which took over the city a year ago in the chaos of a civil war between rival factions North Africa -
Libyan forces advance in battle against ISIS
Forces allied with Libya’s unity government began a campaign two months ago to free Sirte from ISIS Middle East -
Three killed as Libya forces close on central Sirte against ISIS
Libyan forces fighting to free the city of Sirte from ISIS forces have surrounded a conference hall in the area still held by militants after air strikes and clashes. North Africa
