Libya's new UN-backed unity govt issues warning to rivals

Libya’s UN backed unity government has threatened to send names of rivals to interpol on “terrorism” charges if they don’t cooperate.

Aljazeera reports that the new government said they would send names of 17 politicians, militia leaders, and religious figures to the international police organisation and the UN Security Council for “supporting terrorism” if they continue to impede democratic transition.

The announcement comes a day after Prime minister- designate, Fayez al-Sarraj and 6 officials arrived by boat in Libya from Tunisia in a power bid.

The unity government is the result of UN efforts to unify the war-torn country split between two rival governments along with the threat of Islamic State (IS) insurgents.

The security bureau of the unity government listed the names of the 17 alleged problematic figures on its Facebook page on Thursday.

Libya's new UN-backed government threatens to send rivals' names to Interpol for “terrorism” https://t.co/54MZRGIZZg pic.twitter.com/qlIxgMWfec

— AJE News (@AJENews) March 31, 2016

According to the Guardian, Sarraj said he will work for a nationwide ceasefire, the return of displaced people and seek to confront Islamic State.

He said he will call for outside help to train a new Libyan army and launch airstrikes against Islamic State bases in the country.

He reiterated that the council members had travelled in a Libyan navy vessel from the Tunisian port of Sfax, 12 hours away.

#Libya’s #UN -backed government sails into #Tripoli https://t.co/wqQCQcM6oZ pic.twitter.com/bPjNBxvNVZ

— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) March 31, 2016

“There are challenges ahead of us, including uniting Libyans and healing divisions,” he said.

Western powers have recognised Sarraj’s government for national accord as Libya’s only legitimate government.

However, it faces opposition from both of the existing regimes, the Tripoli based General National Congress (GNC) and the elected House of Representatives in eastern Libya.

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