UN mission urges all groups in Libya to join fresh talks

The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has called on all parties and groups in the country to join a new round of dialogue to find a solution to the conflict affecting the country, media reported Monday.

The UN mission said in a statement that the dialogue would provide a platform for political and tribal players, as well as leaders of armed groups, to be active partners in the search for solutions, according to a Xinhua report.

The mission indicated that it did not expect an immediate political cure, although the final solution should include an immediate ceasefire, the withdrawal of all armed groups from cities and towns and "necessary security arrangements, to bring (about) an end to the armed hostilities in different parts of the country".

Last week, the UN mission had announced that a second round of political talks will be held Tuesday.

There is agreement among the various Libyan actors that the way forward is to hold an inclusive political dialogue to tackle the crisis, with a view to end the fighting and alleviate the suffering of the civilian population, ensure that the political transition process is back on track and safeguard Libya's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, the UNSMIL noted on its website.

Libya has been witnessing a frayed political process after the 2011 turmoil, which toppled its former leader Muammar Gaddafi. The country is currently juggling two rival parliaments and governments.

According to Libya's transitional plan, the the House of Representatives (parliament) has already replaced the former interim General National Congress (GNC).

The armed Islamist group Libya Dawn however, backed the GNC to resume power and form the government.

The first round of the national dialogue was held in Libya's southwestern city of Ghadames Sep 29. Although most parties attending the gathering agreed on a truce, no ceasefire agreement was actually reached.

Since mid-November, Libya's national army has launched a series of assaults on areas controlled by Islamist militants and several airstrikes have hit cities, including Tripoli, Zuwarah, Zawiya, Sorman and Gharyan. Fierce fighting still flares up in Benghazi.