Russia kicks against imposition of 'external solutions' on Libya
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Russia says it will not accept the "imposition of external solutions" on Libyans stressing the need to respect the Libyan-led and owned comprehensive political process.
This should be facilitated by the United Nations in accordance with its Security Council mandate.
This was stated by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin during a meeting on Tuesday in Moscow with the UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Libya, Stephanie Williams.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a press statement that the two officials exchanged views on the current military and political situation in Libya in light of the postponement of the 24 December presidential election.
The Libyan Parliament is currently holding consultations with the political parties to adopt a roadmap for the next phase in order to hold general elections as soon as possible, while working to adopt a constitution.
The statement said Russia stressed the importance of the coordinating role of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSML) in promoting a political settlement of the crisis without external interference, as part of a comprehensive process that includes the participation of all active political actors and forces.
The meeting also discussed various aspects of the activities of UNSMIL, including the UN Security Council's consideration of extending its mandate.
UNSMIL's mandate is due to be renewed this month after two technical extensions in September to allow for the continuation of the mission's activities following the emergence of differences between major powers, in particular Russia and Britain.
Earlier, Ms. Williams said she had "wide-ranging discussions" on the challenges facing the electoral process during her visit to Russia.
She stressed that the meeting emphasised the important role of the international community and the Berlin process in supporting Libyans in achieving their aspirations for peace and prosperity through a comprehensive Libyan-led and Libyan-owned process, with the importance of maintaining stability in all parts of the country.
-0- PANA BY/JSG/BBA/MA 19Jan2022
