Consolidation of international efforts in support of the Libyan settlement was one of the topics of talks in Moscow between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Vice Chairman of the Presidential Council and Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of National Accord of Libya Ahmed Maiteeq. This is stated in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Russian Foreign Ministry.
"The parties discussed the tasks of consolidating international efforts in support of the Libyan settlement under the auspices of the UN, based on the decisions of the international conference on Libya held in Berlin on January 19, and UN Security Council Resolution 2510," the Russian Foreign Ministry noted. "In this context, the appointment of a new special representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya to replace Ghassan Salame, who resigned on March 1, was particularly relevant."
The Russian Foreign Minister stressed the importance of the cessation of hostilities. "During a detailed conversation, the sides exchanged views on the development of the situation in and around Libya. At the same time, the Russian side stressed the importance of early cessation of hostilities and the organization of inclusive dialogue with the participation of all leading Libyan political forces and social movements," the Ministry informed.
When considering the issues of Russian-Libyan relations, Lavrov confirmed the readiness of Russian economic operators to resume their activities in Libya after the normalization of the military and political situation there.
The stay of Russian citizens in Tripoli prison remains the main obstacle to establishing cooperation between Russia and the Government of National Accord (GNA) of Libya, Lavrov added.
"The Libyan side was once again asked about the need for the speedy and unconditional release of Russian citizens Maxim Shugaley and Samer Hassan Ali Sueifan, who were arrested in Tripoli in May 2019," the message reads. "It was emphasized that the stay of Russian citizens in prison in Tripoli is now the main obstacle to the progressive development of mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation."
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Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry