Libyan Unity Deal Expected To Be Endorsed
A UN-brokered national unity plan for Libya is due to be endorsed at a conference in Rome on December 13.
Libya slid into chaos following the toppling and killing of dictator Muammar Qadafi.
Since then, it has been torn between an internationally recognized government in eastern Tobruk and an Islamist-backed government in the capital, Tripoli, and now faces threats from Islamic State (IS) extremists.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will host the meeting in Rome with Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni that was drawing representatives from Libya's neighbors and other countries.
The plan calls for the creation within 40 days of a national unity government that would then seek security assistance from outside parties to ease the conflict and concentrate on IS.
Based on reporting by AFP and AP
Belarusian Leader Calls On Turkey, Russia To Compromis
Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka on December 12 called on Russia and Turkey to compromise and overcome the crisis in their relations.
"Mistakes in this turbulent world are inevitable, and they should be not inflated but settled," he said at a gathering of regional leaders, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan.
"If you make a mistake, you should acknowledge it and find the strength to make concessions and compromises to smooth over the situation," he said.
Moscow and Ankara are in the midst of a major spat caused by Turkey's November 24 downing of a Russian bomber along the Syrian border.
Russia has introduced a slew of economic sanctions to punish Turkey.
Lukashenka said the two nations should "stop inflaming passions and find an opportunity to make at least half a step in each other's direction."
His remarks were seconded by Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev, who was also present at the gathering.
Erdogan addressed the group on December 12, but made no reference to relations with Russia.
Based on reporting by AP and Interfax
This concludes our live blogging of the crisis surrounding Islamic State. Check back here tomorrow morning for more of our continuing coverage.