Libya’s warring factions meet for a new round of “decisive” talks on Monday as the UN scrambles for a peace deal before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan next week.
Amid warnings the oil producer is on the verge of collapsing into a failed state, United Nations envoy Bernardino Leon is pushing for an agreement before the June 17 start of Ramadan.
Libya plunged into chaos after a 2011 Nato-backed uprising toppled and killed veteran dictator Muammar Gaddafi, with heavily armed former rebels carving out fiefdoms across the country.
Two parliaments and two governments are vying for control of the country, where inroads made by the Islamic State group have raised fears of a jihadist stronghold on Europe’s doorstep.
The lawlessness has also led to a huge influx of migrants trying to make the dangerous crossing from Libya to Europe, with shipwrecks leaving hundreds dead and the European Union straining to respond.
The talks in the Moroccan seaside resort town of Skhirat “will discuss a new draft” of a political agreement to end the conflict, the UN mission to Libya said on Friday.
“UNSMIL is of the firm conviction that this round will be decisive,” the mission said.
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