Skhirat Political Agreement Important Step Toward Peace in Libya

UN envoy to Libya Bernardino Leon said that Libyan Political Agreement, signed in the Moroccan city of Skhirat by several warring parties, provides a foundation "for a modern, democratic state based on the principles of inclusion, the rule of law, separation of powers and respect for human rights.

UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) — The Libyan Political Agreement, signed in the Moroccan city of Skhirat by several warring parties, is a crucial step toward peace in the country, UN envoy to Libya Bernardino Leon said.

A number of political parties and the internationally recognized parliament of Libya signed a framework agreement, distributing powers on Saturday.

"This is one but a very important step on the road to peace… a peace, which all Libyans have been long seeking to achieve," Leon said in an address at the ceremony of initialing the agreement on Saturday.

The peace accord is the outcome of long months of negotiations, he added, stressing that the agreement provides a foundation "for a modern, democratic state based on the principles of inclusion, the rule of law, separation of powers and respect for human rights."

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.