Lawmakers from Libya's rival factions Thursday signed a landmark deal on a national unity government western powers hope will bring stability and help counter the Islamic State jihadist group's presence in the war-wracked country.
United Nations envoy Martin Kobler hailed as "an historic day" for Libya the agreement signed in the Moroccan coastal resort of Skhirat, acknowledging that all sides had made "sacrifices" in the gruelling UN-backed negotiations.
"Today, by signing the political agreement you are completing the process you are turning the page," Kobler wrote on Twitter.
"Your presence here today shows your commitment to restart Libya's democratic transition," said Kobler.
"You are turning the page," he added. But he warned: "Signing is only the 1st step on the road of putting Libya back on right track."
Italy's foreign minister Paolo Gentiloni, who was present at the signing ceremony, also praised the accord aimed at ending civil war in his country's former colony.
"After signing, both the Libyan sides embraced one another. A first step full of hope," Gentiloni tweeted.
Libya has plunged deeper into lawlessness since a NATO-backed revolt that overthrew dictator long-time Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
Two rival governments, each backed by a multitude of militias allowed Islamic State jihadists to take control of the coastal oil hub of Sirte and the chaos has forced several countries to evacuate their citizens and diplomats.
Libya's rival political forces are split between the Islamist-leaning General National Congress based in the capital Tripoli, and the internationally recognised House of Representatives based in the eastern city of Tobruk.
The long-delayed peace agreement envisages a national unity government and an end to infighting between forces loyal to the two competing parliaments.
Kobler said the new government would have to tackle the dire humanitarian situation in Libya, and fight IS and other jihadi groups who have gained a foothold there.
"You must not forget that this is the beginning of a difficult journey. There is a critical need for national reconciliation [in Libya]," he told the rival lawmakers.
Powerful militias on the ground are unlikely to cooperate with the national unity government because they see as it as biased and as harming their interests, observers have said.
