US Ambassador Richard Norland has affirmed the readiness of PM-designate Fathi Bashagha and the incumbent PM Abdul Hamid Dbeibah to engage in urgent negotiations facilitated by the United Nations to reach a political understanding.

In a statement on Twitter Saturday, the US embassy indicated that the two parties would pursue urgent UN-facilitated negotiations aimed at reaching a political understanding on how to manage the final stages of interim governance and prepare for parliamentary and presidential elections as soon as possible.

The statement followed a meeting between Norland and Bashagha in Tunis on Saturday.

"The format and location of talks will be determined by the parties, themselves in consultation with the UN and international partners," the US embassy said, reiterating Washington's respect for the right of Libyans to determine their future themselves.

The embassy encouraged Libyans to resort to peace, not violence, saying that peaceful negotiations are the only option.