Putin calls for putting end to armed confrontation in Libya
MOSCOW. Jan 12 (Interfax) - A ceasefire should be enacted in Libya and measures need to be taken to resume a political dialogue between the sides involved in the conflict in that country, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday.
Putin said that at their talks Merkel and he discussed the situation in Libya, "where, unfortunately, large-scale hostilities are continuing and terrorist activity is increasing, while the economy and the social sphere are deteriorating, to the regret of all of us."
All of these factors "are undermining security and stability not only in this region but are also negatively impacting Europe," he said.
"I mean illegal migration, smuggling, contraband trade, and arms and drug trafficking," Putin said.
There is a need to "put an end to the armed confrontation between Marshal Haftar's Libyan National Army and the Government of National Accord led by Mr. al-Sarraj" as well as "enact a ceasefire and take measures to resume the political dialogue the ultimate goal of which is to overcome the divide inside the country and form nationwide state institutions," he said.
These are the objectives that are at the center of a statement adopted jointly with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that calls on the opposing sides to enter a ceasefire at midnight on Sunday, Putin said.
"I have provided the federal chancellor with detailed information about this work in Istanbul," he said.