Envoy: UN wants Libya political agreement by Ramadan
The United Nations envoy on Libya said Wednesday the Security Council wants to see a political agreement on Libya before Ramadan, which begins in the middle of June, but he says he cannot be optimistic amid the country's chaos.
Bernardino Leon spoke to reporters after briefing the council behind closed doors, two days after giving the latest draft agreement to parties in the oil-rich north African country.
Leon said he wants to see "direct, face to face meetings as soon as possible," including on issues of security.
Libya has collapsed into competing governments and multiple militias since the overthrow of longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. The instability has bred a growing migrant crisis as smugglers launch crowded ships off Libya's shore.
Leon said no military party in Libya is strong enough to take full power and that a unity government is at the center of any deal. He expects the sides to meet again in the next couple of weeks to discuss the draft.
