Libya: Rival authorities announce ceasefire

Shafaq News/ The Tripoli-based and internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) published a statement that also calls for elections in March next year, BBC reported. 

The truce was also agreed by an ally of Gen Khalifa Haftar, who controls large parts of the east and south of Libya.

Libya has been riven by violence since Col Muammar Gaddafi was deposed by Nato-backed forces in 2011.

The oil-rich nation is a key transit point for migrants heading to Europe from Africa.

The conflict there has caused a split within Nato.

Last month, France temporarily pulled out of the Nato security operation Sea Guardian, accusing Turkey of violating an arms embargo against Libya.

BBC noted that it came weeks after Turkish ships allegedly targeted a French warship in the Mediterranean - something Ankara strongly denies.

GNA head Fayez al-Sarraj "issued instructions to all military forces to immediately cease fire and all combat operations in all Libyan territories", it said on its Facebook page.

There has been no direct comment from Gen Haftar but Aguila Saleh, speaker of the eastern-based parliament, which supports him, also announced a ceasefire.

Both the UN and Egypt's President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, who also backs Gen Haftar, have welcomed the agreement.