UN sounds positive note as Libya deal remains elusive

SKHIRAT, Morocco — The UN envoy to Libya's peace talks sounded a positive note Thursday as negotiations between the rival governments took another break with a deal remaining elusive.

Bernardino Leon said after the latest round of talks — which he had called "decisive" — that the two sides would return by next week to continue discussing proposals for a unity government and security arrangements.

He maintained that progress had been made by narrowing the discussions down to a UN proposal and the two rival governments were committed to the process.

"We have gone beyond the point of no return and they are convinced there will be a national solution," he said at a resort town near the Moroccan capital where the talks are being held.

The UN has presented a detailed proposal for bringing together the warring parties, including maintaining the internationally recognised elected parliament based in the eastern city of Tobruk.

Libya is torn apart by warring militias with two governments on either end of the country claiming legitimacy.

Radical groups pledging allegiance to the extremist Islamic State group are growing in power in the chaotic country, adding urgency for the international community for the warring sides to reach an agreement.