Libyan warring parties sign deal to form national unity government

Skhirat (Morocco), Dec 17 (IANS/EFE) Representatives of the two Libyan rival governments signed a deal on Thursday in the Moroccan city of Skhirat to form a national unity government.

The deal, which was reached after negotiations ended on Thursday, provides for the formation of a government in Libya with a prime minister, two deputies and six ministers.

The signing ceremonies were attended by the foreign ministers of Spain, Italy, Turkey, Qatar, Tunisia and Morocco as a sign of support at a moment described by the international community as "historic".

This new government, which will include controversial figure Saleh Makhzom as one of the deputies, should draft a new constitution to be voted by the Libyans in a referendum.

All the participating ministers and the United Nations envoy for Libya, German Martin Kobler agreed that the deal is the first step that will need numerous "concessions and commitments".

However, the foreign ministers of Spain and Tunisia highlighted that the new Libyan government announced on Thursday will be the only negotiator with the international community starting from now.

--IANS/EFE

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