John Irish

PARIS (Reuters), – Friday’s meeting of world powers in France saw them push for Libyan elections by the end of the year. They also endorsed efforts to expel foreign troops from Libya. This was despite growing political wrangling, which could threaten to undo a year long peace process.

The U.N.-backed roadmap that was adopted last year by the United Nations helped Libya to hold its election on Dec. 24, 2012. It also created an interim unity government that would take control of rival governments in west and east that have been at war for many years.

This is a way to bring an end to the decade of war and instability that followed the NATO-backed 2011 uprising which ousted Muammar Gadafi. It has also drawn regional powers into the fray as a threat for wider Mediterranean stability.

Major factions from both parties may vote against the result of legal disputes, potentially leading to another violent schism.

At a press conference ahead of the meeting, a French president told journalists that although the election was near, it was still fragile. According to the official speaking under anonymity, there are some actors that will exploit any ambiguities in order to promote their own interests.

The official stated that they were “apparently waiting to ambush the electoral process and attempt to derail it.”

Diplomats suggested that the final communique could alert potential spoilers to possible sanctions.

Nearly 30 countries and organizations will attend Paris. This includes Libya’s neighbors and those countries which have been divided by the conflict.

Paris had originally hoped to host the Turkish and Russian heads-of-state, but Ankara as well as Moscow sent lower ranking representatives. This may have been due to the difficulties associated with the removal of foreign troops.

Along with Russia’s Wagner Group, Mercenaries are rooted alongside the east-based Libyan National Army. (LNA) was also supported by Moscow along with Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.

According to the Turkish government, former Tripoli government received support from Turkish forces in Libya, as well as allied Syrian fighters.

Diplomats believe Turkey is unlikely to take action before departures from the East.

The eastern-based Libyan forces claimed on Thursday they had accepted to repatriate 300 foreign officers from the area under their control following a France request.