Acting UN Libya envoy optimistic about Monday's talks in Tunisia

The UNSMIL-led dialogue comes on the back of a September ceasefire agreement between the two sides - the UN-recognised Tripoli government and a rival administration in the country's east, which is backed by militia leader Khalifa Haftar.

UN acting envoy to Libya Stephanie Williams spoke of her hopes that Monday's dialogue in Tunis would be a step towards a longer-lasting peace in Libya.

The talks will include 75 people from across the military and political divide, as well as civil society.

"This is a unique opportunity. There has been significant progress on the ground," said Williams.

"Elections need to be the ultimate objective here."

The ceasefire agreement has seen the resumption of oil production providing desperately needed funds for Libya.

Oil installations were both a target and a prize in the war and there are hopes the UN can build on the momentum of the new outflows to agree a roadmap for future elections.

In addition to the production of 1 million barrels a day of oil, domestic flights have also resumed to Libya's south.

Williams has voiced optimism about Monday's dialogue, which follows talks beginning in September.

There has been "progress on the ground in terms of confidence measures that have accompanied the military dialogue", said Williams.

"The status quo cannot continue... [representatives should] come with spirit of compromise to be willing to make concessions for the sake of Libya," Williams added.

Libya has been in a state of internal conflict since the toppling of dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 with the country divided between forces loyal to the east and west administrations.

Haftar's offensive on the Government of National Accord-held Libyan capital in 2019 was defeated this year with Tripoli forces pushing his militias eastwards.

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