Libyan Political Rivals

Libya's internationally recognised parliament on Monday rejected a UN-sponsored unity government with rival authorities based in Tripoli, dealing a blow to months of efforts aimed at bridging a political divide that has undermined the fight against Islamic militants.

Libyan political rivals signed today a deal on a unity government despite opposition on both sides, in what the United Nations described as a "first step" towards ending the crisis.

Many residents prefer to avoid talking politics in Tripoli, where a self-declared government has ruled since an armed faction called Libya Dawn seized the capital by expelling its rivals in August.

Libya's internationally recognised parliament on Monday rejected a UN-sponsored unity government with rival authorities based in Tripoli, dealing a blow to months of efforts aimed at bridging a political divide that has undermined the fight against Islamic militants.

Libyan political rivals signed today a deal on a unity government despite opposition on both sides, in what the United Nations described as a "first step" towards ending the crisis.

Many residents prefer to avoid talking politics in Tripoli, where a self-declared government has ruled since an armed faction called Libya Dawn seized the capital by expelling its rivals in August.