Bid to restartpeace talksleads agenda

The visit by Kerry, who also held talks with the crown prince, deputy crown prince and foreign minister, comes at a critical time in efforts to rein in fighting and encourage political dialogue in all three countries, racked by violence for years.

The situation has been further complicated by the intermingling of some Western and Arab-backed rebels with groups such as the al Qaeda affiliate, known as the Nusra Front, which the U.N. has designated a terrorist organization and therefore is not covered by the truce.

The U.S. on Friday imposed sanctions on the speaker and president of Libya’s House of Representatives for what the Obama administration said was their efforts to obstruct and delay political transition in the country.

Since the 2011 uprising that toppled leader Moammar Khadafy, Libya has been split between rival governments.