Unity government formed in Libya

A Libyan unity government was formed yesterday under a UN-brokered deal aimed at ending years of bloodshed, but it was unclear whether the leaders have wide support from the warring sides.

World powers are appealing to the country's rival parliaments to back the new administration to end political paralysis that has provided fertile ground for jihadists and people-smugglers.

But less than half of the members of the two parliaments signed up to the UN-sponsored agreement last month. The unity government, headed by businessman Fayez al-Sarraj, who was named prime minister-designate under the UN-sponsored accord, comprises 32 ministers, the administration announced on its Facebook page.

There was no immediate reaction from the country's two legislatures.

Libya has been in chaos since the 2011 ouster of longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

On December 17, under UN guidance, around 80 of 188 lawmakers from Libya's internationally recognised parliament and 50 of 136 members of the Tripoli-based General National Congress signed the unity government deal.

European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said the agreement on the members of the unity government was an "essential step" in implementing the UN-brokered deal.