Tunisia hosts meeting on Libya government

Tunisia has held a one day international meeting to discuss ways to support Libya.

The meeting organised under the auspices of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya and the Great Britain aims to help the UN backed Libyan government to stabilise the nation.

The meeting follows the arrival of the unity government in Tripoli, headed by Fayez Al-Sarraj.

Around 50 states and international organisations including the European Union, Arab League, World Bank and International Monetary Fund attended the meeting.

Christian Turner, UK representative of the ministry of foreign affairs said, “It is vital, of course, that the new Libyan government makes early progress on delivering tangible benefits to the Libyan people.”

“We are here today to talk about practicalities, to talk about support, and not just support that is political and diplomatic but to talk of concrete assistance,” he added.

Meanwhile, Italian foreign minister Paolo Gentiloni held talks in Libya on Tuesday. This is the first visit by European officials since the arrival of the unity government’s Presidential Council in Tripoli nearly two weeks ago.

#Libya: FM PaoloGentiloni today in #Tripoli w/ PM #Sarraj to support the Government of National Accord pic.twitter.com/0J4n1oWxdc

— Farnesina (ItalyMFA) April 12, 2016

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.

Western governments say the best chance to curb the expansion of IS is by uniting armed factions against them.

For nearly two years, the country has had two administrations battling for supremacy in Tripoli and Tobruk.

Following months of talks last year, the rival factions agreed to a United Nations backed national unity government.

Last week leaders of the UN backed government arrived in the capital and have been operating from a naval base. Known as the Presidency Council, Western countries want the unity government to reconcile and unite Libya’s warring factions.