UN envoy Ghassan Salame says corruption is at the heart of Libya's conflict

The UN envoy to Libya says corruption and fight over resources among rival factions is another progress in resolving the country's political turmoil.

Establishing national institutions in charge of a fair distribution of wealth is "the only solution for Libya," said Ghassan Salame to the Qatar-based Al-Jazeera TV late on Wednesday.

Libya is an oil-rich country, however, poverty is rampant in society.

Salame condemned corruption among Libya's political class that ignores "citizens who are poor and miserable.”

"saddening to see them taking over the wealth, investing it overseas, and engaging in money laundering," he continued.

He spoke ahead of the April 14-16 National Conference, which he called a "crucial opportunity" to unite the country and chart a roadmap to elections and peace after years of division and chaos.

All Libyan factions are expected to attend this conference.

Libya slid into chaos after the 2011 uprising that toppled long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi with rival administrations and militias fighting one another.