The Russian Foreign Ministry: “The various Libyan political forces must participate in the national dialogue.”
Today, Monday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin said in an interview with Sputnik, “The various Libyan political forces should participate in the Libyan national dialogue, including supporters of the former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.”
Vershinin added, “Earlier, during the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum in Tunis, the Libyan parties agreed to hold general elections in December 2021. We are proceeding from the fact that the main responsibility in making such important decisions lies with the Libyans themselves. “
Vershinin added, “Such decisions should be placed in the framework of a national dialogue on the broadest possible scale, with the participation of Libyan political forces, including supporters of the former Libyan national leader Muammar Gaddafi.”
He continued, “If the vast majority of Libyans consider it necessary to hold elections on time, so be it.”
Vershinin also emphasized, “The United Nations is undoubtedly invited to play its role by providing possible technical and organizational assistance while respecting the country’s sovereignty, and that the goal of international efforts in Libya must be to restore the country’s sovereignty and establish it and achieve national reconciliation.”
He stated: “At the same time, we are convinced that the elections are not an end in themselve, rather they should be included in the context of Libyan vital reforms aimed at achieving real national reconciliation, preserving the country’s unity, and forming effective governmental bodies.”
