Libya rivals begin peace talks as G7 urges 'bold' decisions

Libya's warring factions began crunch talks June 8 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 of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) 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 descended 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.
 
"Today, the eyes of the people of Libya all on you," UN envoy Leon told the parties at the outset of the talks June 8 in the Moroccan seaside resort town of Skhirat, saying they had the power to "bring an end to the suffering of the Libyan people".
 
"Recent terrorist and other attacks from groups in the country should serve as a wake up call... The fighting must end," the Spanish diplomat urged.
 
The talks are...