Egypt is working to organise direct talks between the leaders of rival Libyan authorities contesting the war-torn country, its foreign minister said Saturday after hosting a regional meeting. The UN-backed government in Tripoli has struggled to impose its authority contested by a rival administration in the east of the country. "We are focusing our efforts on bringing Libyan leaders together for a direct dialogue, to build confidence and understanding," he told a news conference. Libya has been torn apart by fighting between militias, tribes and the two rival governments since the fall of dictator Muammar Qadhafi in 2011. "The will to organise this meeting is present; its date will be decided according to the commitments of the Libyan leaders," Shoukry said.

Source: Egypt Independent January 22, 2017 09:36 UTC