MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Bernardino Leon announced the list of candidates for Libya’s national unity government late on Thursday, saying that Fayez Sarraj was being proposed as the prime minister.
"The Governments of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States affirm their full support to the final text of a framework for a Government of National Accord and the Libyan leaders who will form this government, chosen by Libyan delegates after prolonged and difficult negotiations facilitated by Bernardino Leon and the UN mediation team," a joint statement released by the US Department of State on Friday says.
According to the statement, the international community is calling on the rivalling parties in Libya to urgently support the UN-proposed candidates and "will isolate those who fail to respect the Political Agreement."
"There is no more time to waste. The Government of National Accord will serve as the legitimate entity in Libya to ensure the protection of civilians and to confront the growing threat of terrorist groups before they become more entrenched," the statement said, adding that "delays in forming a unity government will only prolong the suffering of the Libyan people and benefit terrorists seeking to take advantage of the chaos."
The national unity government will ensure that no arms enter Libya except at its request and in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the terms of the political agreement, the statement said.
Political parties and the internationally recognized parliament of Libya signed a framework agreement, distributing powers in the country in the Moroccan city of Skhirat in early July.
Libya has been in a state of turmoil since early 2011 after the Arab Spring protests led to a civil war and the overthrow of long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi. Internal instability has allowed Islamic State (ISIL) militants to gain ground in Libya.
There are currently two rival governments in the county: the internationally recognized Council of Deputies based in Tobruk and the self-proclaimed General National Congress, based in the capital city of Tripoli.
The government candidates proposed by the United Nations on Thursday must be approved by both of the rivaling governments in Libya.
