Libyan peace talks to resume this week: UN

TRIPOLI - Libya's warring factions are to resume the UN-brokered talks in Libya later this week, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) announced on Tuesday.

The specific venue and the exact timing of this round of talks are subject to the completion of the logistic and security preparations, according a UNSMIL statement.

A parallel dialogue track that brings together the Libyan political parties and activists will convene at the Palace of Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, later this week, and preparatory meetings involving commanders of the armed groups are also taking place this week, the statement added.

The peace talks aim to reach an agreement on running Libya's political transition, including the formation of a unity government and ending the armed hostilities raging in different parts of the country.

After the removal of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, the country is now deadlocked in turmoil with two rival governments and two parliaments which are backed by secular and Islamist forces respectively.

The armed forces affiliated to the two sides have been warring since last May, leaving at least 1,000 people killed and more than 100,000 displaced.

Several rounds of UN-sponsored peace talks have been held, but the agreed truce has never been enforced.