3 Sep 2018 14:48

Chaos in Libya to harm its statehood - Russian Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW. Sept 3 (Interfax) - The Russian Foreign Ministry has expressed concern about the exacerbating situation in Libya and urged the conflicting sides to establish a constructive dialogue.

"Moscow keeps a wary eye on the situation in Libya and its capital. We regret to say that the situation has not just failed to stabilize but has even showed a trend towards deterioration," the ministry said in a statement posted on its website.

"Moscow is seriously concerned about the latest outbreak of confrontations in Tripoli," it said.

"We are confident that any disputes should be resolved at talks as a result of a constructive dialogue. A priority should be given to the consolidation of efforts of all responsible forces in Libya who care about wellbeing of the country and its people, as well as to the promotion of a political settlement based on the UN Plan of Action and the future presidential and parliamentary elections," the ministry said.

"The past few days have seen some fierce clashes between various local armed groups in Tripoli; there have been casualties, including amongst the civilian population. The use of heavy artillery has been reported," the ministry said.

""Everything should be done to prevent the country from falling into chaos, which is fraught with consequences harmful for Libya's statehood," it said.