The functioning of the UN mission in Libya without a head at the current stage of the settlement in the country weakens the effectiveness of efforts and the credibility of the organization. The Russian MFA said in a statement issued on Tuesday in connection with the extension of the mandate of the UN Support Mission in Libya until April 30 this year.
"We have consistently stressed the importance of the UN role and specifically the UN Support Mission in Libya in advancing a comprehensive peaceful settlement of the Libyan crisis. However, the continuing functioning of the UN mission in the absence of a UN Security Council member-approved head at the current critical stage of the Libyan settlement weakens the mediation potential, credibility and effectiveness of UN efforts," the diplomatic mission stressed.
The ministry says the Russian Federation expects the UN Secretary-General to nominate a candidate for the UN Support Mission in Libya as soon as possible.
Besides, the Russian diplomatic mission stressed that Moscow is ready to continue searching for a mutually acceptable solution to the remaining issues of the mission's leadership "in order to ensure its full functioning in accordance with the mandate stipulated in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions."
"As a matter of principle, we see no alternative to a peaceful solution to the Libyan crisis. At the same time, we assume that progress towards a long-term political settlement can be achieved only if it is inclusive, involving all influential forces of the country," the Russian MFA summarized.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Creative Commons
Based on materials from TASS