UN Support Mission Urges Parties to Swiftly Reach Peace Deal in Libya

Parties in the Libyan conflict need to achieve peace agreement and form a national unity government as soon as possible, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said in a statement Sunday.

UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) — The UNSMIL expected a peace settlement deal to be signed in early September, the talks however remain unfinished.

"UNSMIL calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Benghazi and across Libya, and on the warring parties to desist from any escalation or counterattack, and to exercise utmost restraint to give the on-going dialogue in Skhirat the chance to successfully conclude in the coming hours," the statement read.

Political parties and the internationally recognized parliament of Libya signed a framework agreement, distributing powers in the country in the Moroccan city of Skhirat in early July.

Libya has been in a state of turmoil since 2011, when the Arab Spring protests led to a civil war and the overthrow of long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi.

There are two rival governments in the country. The group controlling the Libyan capital of Tripoli and adjacent western areas is not recognized internationally.