Libyan Islamist alliance rejects reconciliation talks

Libyan Islamist armed alliance Libya Dawn Tuesday rejected the UN-brokered reconciliation talks with the Libyan parliament, sticking to a “military solution” to the current crisis in Libya.

According to a statement issued by its information office, Libya Dawn said it will not stop its military operations until all “counter-revolutionaries” are hunted down and accused the internationally recognised parliament, now exiled in the eastern town of Tobruk, of masterminding airstrikes against the Libyan people, Xinhua reported.

Libya Dawn, formed in mid-July, consists of several Islamist militant groups, mostly from the western city of Misrata.

The relatively loosely armed alliance has taken control of most parts of the capital Tripoli since August, forcing the secular-leaning government to flee.

The alliance is now advancing westwards trying to seize Wershefana area.

On Monday, Libya’s parliament started talks with the opposing political figures in the border town of Ghadames, in an attempt to prevent the country from descending into further anarchy.

Some media reported that the talks might turn fruitless without the participation of Libya Dawn, which is widely seen as the arch enemy of Libya’s parliament.

(IANS)