UN envoy proposes Libya unity government

The UN envoy for Libya proposed the members of a unity government Friday aimed at ending years of conflict, but the plan was dismissed by lawmakers in the country's two rival parliaments.

Libya has had two administrations since August last year when a militia alliance that includes Islamists overran the capital, forcing the internationally recognised government to take refuge in the east.

The country descended into chaos after the fall of Muammer Gaddafi in 2011, with the two sides vying for power as well as several groups battling for control of its vast resource wealth.

The proposed new government would be headed by Fayez el-Sarraj, a deputy in the Tripoli parliament, and include three deputy prime ministers, one each from the west, east and south of the country.

"After a year of work in this process, after working with more than 150 Libyan personalities from all the regions... finally the moment has come in which we can propose a national unity government," UN envoy Bernardino Leon told a news conference in Morocco.

UN chief Ban Ki-moon welcomed the news, and appealed to the rival camps to sign the accord.

"The secretary-general welcomes today's proposal of nominees for the presidency council of the Libyan government of national accord," said a UN statement.

"He commends the dialogue participants on having reached a final text of a political agreement after comprehensive and broad consultations."

Ban urged Libya's leaders "not to squander this opportunity to put the country back on the path to building a state that reflects the spirit and ambitions of the 2011 revolution.

"Now is the time for the parties to the political dialogue to endorse this proposal and sign the agreement without delay."

Previous deals to ensure a ceasefire and restore stability to the strife-torn country have fallen apart and officials from both sides expressed scepticism after the announcement.