A group of lawmakers from Libya`s rival parliaments, as well as other
political figures, inked the UN-sponsored accord in the Moroccan resort
of Skhirat
Around 80 of 188 lawmakers from the internationally recognised parliament and 50 of 136 members of the Tripoli-based General National Congress (GNC) signed the deal,as World powers have urged the warring factions to break a political deadlock that has allowed jihadists and people-smugglers to flourish since the fall of dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011.
The deal calls for a 17-member government, headed by businessman Fayez el-Sarraj as premier and including two women, based in Tripoli. There would also be a presidential council for a transitional period of two years up until legislative elections.
The French ambassador, Antoine Sivan, said in a statement the UN Security Council would adopt a resolution within days "recognising this government as the only legitimate government of Libya"
But the accord has caused deep divisions within Libya`s two legislatures.
GNC member Mahmoud Abdelaziz complained: "There are two parliaments and two governments. Now they are going to impose a third government on us instead of bringing together the two rival authorities."
The heads of both parliaments already warned that the accord lacked legitimacy and that those who signed it represented only themselves.
GNC head Nouri Abusahmein said Wednesday "whoever has not been commissioned by the GNC to sign or initial a deal on its behalf is, and will remain, without legitimacy."
A government such as that proposed by the United Nations "does not even guarantee the minimum required to ensure its effectiveness", he added.While Western powers and NATO welcomed Thursday`s deal, UN envoy Martin Kobler acknowledged that much remained to be done.
"This is just the beginning of a long journey for Libya. Signing is only the first step on the road to putting Libya back on the right track," he said at the ceremony.
"The door is always open to those who are not here today. The new government must move urgently to address the concerns of those who feel marginalised."
UN chief Ban Ki-moon echoed those remarks, while US Secretary of State John Kerry said Libya "needs this unified government to address its critical humanitarian, economic, and security challenges".
Leaders from Britain and France as well as the EU`s foreign policy chief and the head of NATO, also welcomed the deal.
Around 80 of 188 lawmakers from the internationally recognised parliament and 50 of 136 members of the Tripoli-based General National Congress (GNC) signed the deal,as World powers have urged the warring factions to break a political deadlock that has allowed jihadists and people-smugglers to flourish since the fall of dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011.
The deal calls for a 17-member government, headed by businessman Fayez el-Sarraj as premier and including two women, based in Tripoli. There would also be a presidential council for a transitional period of two years up until legislative elections.
The French ambassador, Antoine Sivan, said in a statement the UN Security Council would adopt a resolution within days "recognising this government as the only legitimate government of Libya"
But the accord has caused deep divisions within Libya`s two legislatures.
GNC member Mahmoud Abdelaziz complained: "There are two parliaments and two governments. Now they are going to impose a third government on us instead of bringing together the two rival authorities."
The heads of both parliaments already warned that the accord lacked legitimacy and that those who signed it represented only themselves.
GNC head Nouri Abusahmein said Wednesday "whoever has not been commissioned by the GNC to sign or initial a deal on its behalf is, and will remain, without legitimacy."
A government such as that proposed by the United Nations "does not even guarantee the minimum required to ensure its effectiveness", he added.While Western powers and NATO welcomed Thursday`s deal, UN envoy Martin Kobler acknowledged that much remained to be done.
"This is just the beginning of a long journey for Libya. Signing is only the first step on the road to putting Libya back on the right track," he said at the ceremony.
"The door is always open to those who are not here today. The new government must move urgently to address the concerns of those who feel marginalised."
UN chief Ban Ki-moon echoed those remarks, while US Secretary of State John Kerry said Libya "needs this unified government to address its critical humanitarian, economic, and security challenges".
Leaders from Britain and France as well as the EU`s foreign policy chief and the head of NATO, also welcomed the deal.
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