Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/484780
maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 25 MARCH 2015 8 THE United Nations wants to keep Libya's elected parliament and set up a unity government led by inde- pendents, it announced Tuesday in a statement outlining its proposed solution to a conf lict that has ef- fectively split the country in half. The internationally recognized government of Abdullah Al Thinni and elected parliament have been confined to the far east in To- bruk, since Islamist-allied militias seized the capital Tripoli last year and set up a rival government. The two sides have been negoti- ating in Morocco for the past three weeks to end months of fighting – the bloodiest since the 2011 over- throw of dictator Gaddafi. UN envoy Bernardino Leon visit- ed both Tobruk and Tripoli, where he presented ideas to expedite the talks. "These ideas are not intend- ed to provide concrete details or present a final solution to Libya's political crisis and military con- f lict but they form the basis from which the parties can work on," the statement said. "These ideas are first and fore- most Libyan, formulated after wide discussions with the parties. They address the concerns of all sides while at the same time all of the sides are asked to make con- cessions." Leon said that Libya is risking widespread confrontation and deeper division in which terrorism and its expansion will become a serious threat to the country and the region. "Libya cannot afford to wait any longer before there is a settlement that could restore security and stability and end the suffering of the people." He said that the guiding princi- ples for peace will be respect for the elections and its results, re- spect for the legitimacy and for the state institutions, including the judiciary and its decisions and all other institutions, as well as adhering to the 17 February revolution's principles of de- mocracy, human rights and the building of a state based on the rule of law. The country would be led by a "presidential council of inde- pendent personalities" while the House of Representatives would be the legislative body — a key concession by the Tripoli-based alliance, which has its own rival legislature. The international community has been pushing for a deal, fear- ing that Libya's chaos could desta- bilize its neighbours. Militants affiliated with the Is- lamic State group and other jihad- ists have gained a foothold in the vast, petroleum-rich country. The gunmen who attacked a Tunisian museum a week ago, killing 21 peo- ple, mostly tourists, were reported- ly trained in Libya and the Islamic State group claimed the attack. The unity government would also include a high state council, a constitutional drafting assembly as well as a national security council and a council of municipalities, which will be defined in later ne- gotiations. Once the two sides agree to the proposal, something that Leon said could happen this week, dis- cussions would begin on who would fill positions like the presi- dency. Talks nearly broke down at the weekend after forces loyal to the internationally recognized gov- ernment launched attacks on Tripoli from the south and west. General Khalifa Haftar, who com- mands troops loyal to the eastern- based government, has rejected the talks. MIRIAM DALLI AS the United Nations presented its proposals to reconcile Libya's warring factions into a unity gov- ernment, the Maltese House of Representatives debated efforts by the European Union to assist the di- vided nation. According to Opposition leader Simon Busuttil, the Council con- clusions were "a disappointment" in what the EU was ready to do help with the Libyan crisis. "The council conclusions are a huge disappointment: they aren't satisfactory at all and there is no concrete action by the EU," Busut- til said. A surprised Muscat turned to the PN leader sitting on the opposite benches in parliament, exclaim- ing that the EU couldn't have sent a stronger message of support. The PM said the EU didn't want to interfere with the work being car- ried out by the United Nations in helping the warring factions reach an agreement. "Too many cooks spoil the broth and it's better if the UN concentrates on efforts to form a unity government," he said. Muscat said the EU stood squarely behind EU foreign policy chief Fed- erica Mogherini, tasked with plan- ning all possible ways and options of how the EU could support a future national unity government. Muscat argued that the other available option would be a military intervention, which was not the de- sirable action. Reiterating that there was no solution to Libya other than a political one, Muscat said the EU would help Libya in terms of polic- ing and securitisation operations. "The conclusions are clear and the European Council is giving a strong mandate," Muscat said. The Prime Minister however hint- ed at the possible creation of a "par- tial unity government" – a govern- ment of national unity which would leave out factions from both sides of Tobruk and Tripoli who refuse to collaborate. The UN document released yester- day envisions "a presidential council of independent personalities". Bernardino Leon, head of the United Nations support mission in Libya, said the factions could agree this week on the leaders of a unity government, although warning it would prove to be a difficult discus- sion. The European Union has mean- while agreed to stand ready to make "full use of all its instruments" to help a government of national uni- ty. "As soon as agreement to form a government of national unity is found, the EU stands ready, with countries in the region and interna- tional partners, to contribute to its implementation by making full use of all its instruments," the European Council said on Friday. News UN calls for Libya unity government, presidential council Parliament debates EU efforts in Libya Structure of proposed UN solution 1. A unity government headed by a president, and a presidential council composed of independent personalities not belonging to any party or affiliated with any group, and who are acceptable to all parties and by all Libyans. The main members of the presidential council will be the president and his two deputies. 2. The House of Representatives as a legislative body representing all Libyans under the full application of principles of legitimacy and inclusion. 3. A high state council inspired by similar institutions existing in a number of countries. A fundamental institution in the governance of the state 4. Constitutional drafting assembly. A mechanism of cooperation between these institutions will be agreed on to achieve consensus at this critical stage. 5. National security council. 6. Municipalities council. Bernardino Leon – These ideas are first and foremost Libyan