(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Libya's warring factions geared up for crunch talks Monday as world leaders called for "bold political decisions" to prevent the oil-rich nation crumbling into a failed state.
Amid warnings that chaos in Libya has allowed the Islamic State group to make inroads on Europe's doorstep, United Nations envoy Bernardino Leon is pushing for an agreement before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on June 17.
"The timing for fighting has passed, the moment for bold political decisions has come," G7 leaders said in a closing statement after a summit in Germany.
"Libyan leaders must now grasp the opportunity to conclude these negotiations and form a Government of National Accord accountable to the Libyan people."
Libya plunged into chaos after a 2011 NATO-backed uprising toppled and killed veteran dictator Moamer Kadhafi, with heavily armed former rebels carving out fiefdoms across the country.
Jihadist groups have exploited the lawlessness, which has also prompted a huge influx of migrants trying to make the dangerous crossing to Europe, with shipwrecks leaving hundreds dead and the European Union straining to respond.
Three previous rounds of peace negotiations between Libya's rival parliaments and governments have failed to reach an accord.
The talks in the Moroccan seaside resort town of Skhirat "will discuss a new draft" of a political agreement to end the conflict, the UN mission to Libya said on Friday.
"UNSMIL is of the firm conviction that this round will be decisive," the mission said.
Saying Libya was at a "critical juncture", the mission called on the country's rivals "to shoulder their historic responsibilities" by reaching a peace deal.
A source close to negotiations said talks would start at 1800 GMT.
The source said officials from the internationally recognised government - currently operating out of the eastern city of Tobruk - arrived in Morocco Sunday.
An official in the Islamist-linked Fajr Libya militia alliance said its delegation had left the Libyan capital on Monday morning.
Pressure has been mounting for a deal, with Algeria, Egypt and Italy on Sunday calling for a political agreement.
At a meeting of top diplomats hosted by Cairo, the three countries backed Leon's efforts, with Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni saying Libya was "at a very important juncture".
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