The Associated Press reports: Libya’s internationally recognized parliament on Monday rejected a U.N.-sponsored unity government and political agreement with rival authorities based in the capital, Tripoli, the media office said.

House of Representatives member Essa al-Areibi says 90 out of 140 members who attended Monday’s session rejected the unity Cabinet and 84 rejected the political agreement. Both were the result of months of negotiations, and were backed by some members of each faction.

The international community has been pushing the rivals to unite against the rising threat of Islamic militants, including an increasingly powerful Islamic State affiliate that has seized the central city of Sirte and launched attacks across the country. [Continue reading…]