UN Libya Mission: Rivals Agreed on National Unity Government

Cairo: The United Nations mission in Libya says rival parties have agreed to work toward forming a national unity government, as part of political settlement aimed at stabilizing this North African nation plagued by lawlessness and armed conflict.

In today's statement, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya says it concluded two days of talks in Geneva among rival Libya groups, during which the participants also agreed on pulling out all armed groups from Libyan cities. It said that the participants discussed confidence building measures including the release of detainees from both sides, opening closed ports and securing safe freedom of movement around the country.

Another round of talks will be held next week, the statement says, where those who boycotted and other rival groups will be invited to attend.