Peace talks in Libya could drag on till December or beyond, the Prime Minister of the internationally-recognised government, Abdullah Al-Thinni, told Times of Malta.

He expected the Tripoli-based General National Congress (GNC), the breakaway administration, to lay obstacles to the peace process.

“They are trying very hard to have a major political role in the Libya of the future. So if the country became stable and there was a constitution, and presidential elections and general elections, they will not have any political gain,” Mr Al-Thinni said.

His words contrast with the optimism he expressed last Wednesday during a press conference with Prime Minister Joseph Muscat when it was stated that the long-anticipated deal for a national unity government could be concluded this week.

On the same day of the press conference, the GNC said it wanted more time to consider the peace accord draft, which it was expected to sign in Skhirat, Morocco, the following day.

Read more in Times of Malta.