Moscow will welcome if the United States uses its influence in the Libyan conflict to support the efforts of Russia and other countries seeking an immediate ceasefire in the Arab Republic, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Çavuşoğlu previously called on the U.S. to play a more active role in resolving the Libyan crisis.
"If the United States is able to use its influence in the Libyan conflict to support the efforts of Russia and other external players who are in favor of an immediate ceasefire, I think that would be very, very positive. We'll see," Lavrov said at a press conference, commenting on this statement.
As Lavrov stressed, "any constructive assistance to overcome the crisis - whether in Libya, Syria or anywhere else - is welcome". The Minister admitted, however, that he did not know "what concrete steps the United States could take to advance the Libyan settlement".
"They participated in the Berlin Conference, where Russia was also represented at the level of President Putin. They signed a resolution of the UN Security Council, which approved the Libyan conference. They emphasize that they recognize the Government of National Accord (GNA), which is located in Tripoli and is one of the parties to the conflict," recalled Lavrov.
In Libya, confrontation continues between the GNA, led by Fayez Sarraje, who controls Tripoli and territories in the west, and the LNA, led by Haftar, which has been trying to take back the capital for over a year. Both parties to the conflict claim that the opponents are assisted by arms and life force from outside.
In recent weeks, the GNA forces have reported significant success in the battle of Tripoli and have indicated their intention to build on that success by taking control of the city of Sirte and other territories east of the capital.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on materials from RIA Novosti