The formation of a national unity government may pave the way toward asking Russia to conduct airstrikes on Daesh positions.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The request to Russia on the launch of airstrikes against Islamic State (IS or Daesh in Arabic) can be submitted only after the formation of a national unity government, which will be in exclusive position to make such decisions, the Tripoli-based government’s foreign minister told Sputnik.

"This decision can be made, only when the government of national unity is formed, it should take such a decision. We are currently striving to create such a government," Ali Abu Zaakouk said.

The internationally-recognized Libyan government in Tobruk and its rival in Tripoli signed a UN-brokered accord on December 17 to form a national unity government in a bid to end hostilities.

It is expected that the Libyan government's delegation will hold a meeting at the Russian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.

Libya has been in a state of turmoil for years after the Arab Spring protests in early 2011 led to a civil war, and a western military intervention helped Islamic rebels overthrow the country’s long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi.

The instability that has plagued Libya since 2011 has facilitated the emergence of numerous militant groups, including Daesh. It is a designated terrorist organization that is outlawed in Russia and numerous other countries.