United Nations, United States - Britain, France, Spain and the United States are seeking UN sanctions against two Libyans accused of obstructing United Nations talks on forming a national unity government, diplomats said Thursday.
The request came as UN envoy Bernardino Leon is scrambling to clinch a deal on a national unity government before the start of Ramadan on June 17, with a new crucial round of talks opening in Rabat on Monday.
The four countries asked that a global travel ban and an assets freeze be imposed on Abdul Rahman Swehli, a politician from Misrata, and Othman Maliqta, commander of the Zintani Qaqa brigade.
The UN sanctions committee has given the 15-member Security Council until 3:00 pm (1900 GMT) Friday to raise objections to the proposed sanctions.
If no objections are raised, the two Libyans will be blacklisted.
"By proposing these designations, the council will send a clear signal that spoilers of the political process will not be tolerated," the US mission said in a letter to the sanctions committee, obtained by AFP.
The two Libyans are not considered high-profile, but the decision to target them first was aimed at sending a message to more senior-ranking officials that they must get onboard.
Libyan factions agreed during Geneva talks in January to set up a national unity government to restore stability that has been shattered since the 2011 fall of Moamer Kadhafi.
But months of UN-brokered negotiations have yet to produce a political accord.
AFP
