U.N. Libya envoy says rival governments reach 'consensus' 

Libya’s rival governments have reached a “consensus” on the main elements of a political agreement, a U.N. special envoy told reporters early Sunday.

Bernardino Leon said in Skhirat, Morocco that the two sides were able to “overcome their differences” on major outstanding issues, increasing the likelihood of signing a long-awaited agreement to form a unity government this month.

“We know that it is going to require a lot of work, but we believe that it will be possible to reach this deadline of the 20th of September with an agreement that will be signed,” said Mr. Leon.

The most recent text of the draft agreement was not immediately available.

Since the 2011 overthrow and killing of long-time dictator Muammar Qadhafi, Libya has slid into chaos. The country is divided between an Islamist-backed government in Tripoli and the internationally recognised government in Tobruk.

Mr. Leon has been trying to get the parties to present candidates for prime minister and two deputies to lead a national unity government to bring the war-torn country out of its crisis.