EU, North Africa to benefit from a stable Libya - Schulz

The formation of a Libyan unity government is the key to help stabilise the nation, European Parliament President, Martin Schulz, said.

According to Schulz, the European Union (EU) and North Africa will benefit immensely once the political chaos in Libya comes to an end.

Speaking during a three-day visit in Tunis, Schulz said, “A stable Libya is in the interests of the whole of the Maghreb and the whole of Europe…We share the same goal to see a national unity government take office with all the support of the Libyan people.’‘

‘‘Europeans must take the full measure of the economic, social and security consequences that the instability in Libya poses to civil peace and economic growth,’‘ he added.

Following months of talks last year, rival factions in Libya had agreed to sign for a United Nations backed national unity government.

The United Nation’s efforts for the two rival governments battling for supremacy in Tripoli and Tobruk has often ended in a deadlock.

Meanwhile, the country’s presidential council is requesting for yet another extension for the unity government. This one week request comes days after Libya’s recognised parliament rejected an initial line-up.

Since the ousting of long time ruler Muammar Gaddafi, the oil rich nation has suffered blows of attacks from Islamist militants battling for territory and recognition in the country.

Pressure has been growing that the international community should intervene by sending military forces to fight the Islamic State in the country.