France and Germany back Libya unity cabinet

     Ministers Steinmeier (left) and Ayrault said Europe was ready to train Libya's security force.

The French and German foreign ministers have made an unannounced visit to Libya, in a show of support for the country's new UN-backed government.

In Tripoli, Germany's Frank-Walter Steinmeier said the EU was ready to train Libya's security forces.
Since 2014 the country has had two competing administrations.
The new UN-brokered unity government is trying to restore peace in Libya, which has been ravaged by conflict since the fall of Col Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

Western nations hope the Government of National Accord (GNA) - led by Prime Minister-designate Fayez Sarraj - will be able to unite the country and combat an affiliate of the so-called Islamic State, which has a foothold in the country.

'Defending same cause'

"We know how difficult it is to get legal security forces behind this government and so we don't want to underestimate the challenge of fighting against the cancer of Daesh (Islamic State)," Mr Steinmeier said on Saturday.
"We also know that only the Libyans themselves can tackle this task successfully."
Mr Steinmeier suggested the training of Libya's security forces and border guards could start outside the country.