UN Security Council endorses Libya political agreement

NEW YORK

The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution Wednesday endorsing an UN-brokered agreement between Libya's rival camps on forming a national unity government.

The U.K.-drafted resolution expressed intent to support the future unity government "as the sole legitimate government of Libya", where political divisions have produced two rival seats of government in Tobruk and Tripoli, each with its own institutions and military.

The Tripoli-based General National Congress and the Tobruk-based House of Representatives signed Thursday a reconciliation agreement in the Moroccan city of Skhirat with the mediation of UN. The agreement calls for a one-year transitional phase to last until a referendum on a new constitution and legislative elections can be held.

The UN resolution said the council welcomed the formation of the Presidency Council and urged it to establish a Government of National Accord within the 30 days as stated in the agreement.

It also urged countries to swiftly assist the unity government "in responding to threats to Libyan security and to actively support the new government in defeating [Daesh]".

"Today’s unanimous vote welcomes an important and historic step taken by the Libyan people," said U.S. ambassador to the UN Samantha Power, who chairs the 15-member body for December.

"With this resolution, the council sends a clear message that the Government of National Accord will become the sole legitimate government of Libya, as set forth in the agreement," she added.

Libya has remained in a state of turmoil since a bloody uprising ended the decades-long rule of strongman Muammar Gaddafi in late 2011.