EU hails UN Libya deal as move toward stability

European states have welcomed a UN-sponsored peace accord signed by a number of Libyan factions, except the main opposition group, as a step toward reestablishing stability in the divided North African country.

Italy and the European Union on Sunday welcomed the Morocco agreement as a move toward restoring peace and order in Libya.

In a Twitter post, Italy’s Prime Minister Matteo Renzi described the accord as an "important step in efforts to stabilize the region and re-establish peace in this great country," emphasizing that resolution of the Libyan conflict is "central" to the battle against "terrorism and (illegal) immigration."

Libya is ruled by two rival parliaments and governments as well as various armed groups battling for control of the nation’s rich oil resources.

The internationally recognized parliament, based in the eastern city of Tobruk, signed on to the agreement in Morocco on Saturday, along with some members of the country’s political parties and local officials.

The rival General National Congress (GNC), set up by Libya Dawn faction, is based in the capital, Tripoli. It took control of the city in August 2014.

The rival governments have been holding difficult talks brokered by the UN envoy for Libya Bernardino Leon in a bid to reach an agreement on establishing a national unity government and holding new elections.

The GNC, however, boycotted the Saturday signing event in the Moroccan resort of Skhirat, saying that Leon's draft deal was not "satisfactory," and calling for "modifications" to the draft.

EU foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, also hailed the agreement as "an important step towards restoring peace and stability in Libya," urging the GNC to also sign on to it.

The Tobruk government welcomed the UN-drafted deal as a "huge breakthrough" and called on all parties across Libya to put aside differences and join the accord.

Leon stated during the signing event in Morocco that the door to more negotiations would remain open, expressing confidence that the GNC will eventually return to the talks.

"The door remains open for those who chose not to be here today.... I am confident that in the weeks ahead we will try to clarify the issues that remain contentious and address the outstanding concerns," he said.

The Morocco agreement was the fourth draft submitted to Libya's rival factions by Leon. It includes six major points and is aimed at "laying the foundation for a modern, democratic state based on the principle of inclusion, the rule of law, separation of powers and respect for human rights."

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