Saudi minister urges Libyan unity

Rome, Feb 20 (IANS/AKI) All sides in conflict-wracked Libya must work for their country's security, stability and national interests, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said on Monday.

"All sides in Libya must keep in mind the security, stability and national interest over and above those of individuals," Jubeir told journalists in Rome.

"The whole of Libya must work together for a broad-based government capable of running the country and that will pave the way for a single administration," he said.

Jubeir was answering a question on the role of rogue general and strongman Khalifa Haftar, the military commander of Libya's eastern government, who enjoys close ties with Russia.

Jubeir made the remarks after a meeting with his Italian counterpart Angelino Alfano, who earlier said Libya was "a priority" for Italy, which colonised the North African country from 1911 to 1943.

He and Jubeir "share outlooks" and "agree on the importance of our cooperation in fighting international terrorism," Alfano told reporters.

The European Union is hoping Russia - possibly in alliance with the US - will seek to persuade Haftar to settle for an enhanced military role, but under civilian command and within the UN-backed national accord government (GNA) set up in December 2015.

The GNA has so far failed to reach a political compromise with its Tobruk-based rivals in the east, notably Haftar, who heads the Libyan National Army.

--IANS/AKI

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