The Libyan Foreign Minister of the Government of National Accord (GNA) Mohammed Sayala urged his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov for Russia’s support for the withdrawal of foreign fighters (mercenaries) and the outcomes of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission.
During talks with Lavrov in Moscow on Wednesday, Sayala expressed GNA’s worries about the seizure of some of Libyan oil revenues at a bank account that “doesn’t provide any benefits to the Libyan people”.
Sayala also said that the visit of the Egyptian delegation to Tripoli came too late, adding that the GNA wanted to have Egypt close to the parties in order to help in confidence-building.
He also urged all stakeholders that once made their bets on military solutions to reconsider their stances and support peaceful solutions as well as assist in the withdrawal of foreign fighters.
Meanwhile, Lavrov reiterated the need for Libyans to take a historic step for national reconciliation and building of their country, adding that Russia “is sincerely interested in helping Libya resolve all of its issues”.
Lavrov indicated that he and the Libyan Foreign Minister also discussed international community’s efforts in supporting Libyans, in addition to boosting bilateral relations in all fields between Libya and Russia.
“We also hail the role of the GNA in releasing the two Russian detainees in Tripoli.” Lavrov remarked, saying Moscow and Tripoli are cooperating in various areas, especially in military ones.
