Delay in settling conflict in Libya may enhance influence of terrorists - Russian Foreign Ministry
MOSCOW. Dec 14 (Interfax) - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov took part in an international conference for Libya in Rome on December 13 to underline the readiness of Moscow for continuing support on the efforts to promote inter-Libyan negotiations, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
"In his speech, Gatilov confirmed Russia's adherence to independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Libya and noted that further delay in settling the internal Libyan conflict would enhance the influence of terrorist groups, primarily ISIL, in the country," said a report posted on the ministry website on Monday.
"He stressed the readiness of our country to continue assistance in the efforts of new Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General for Libya Martin Kobler in the promotion of inter-Libyan negotiations that must be based on the principles of inclusiveness and the active engagement of all political forces, tribal and social groups in the peace process," the ministry said.
The Rome conference was tasked to mobilize broad international support for the inter-Libyan dialogue which was supervised by Kobler. "Measures were discussed to assist the Libyan sides in their search for mutually acceptable solutions to the ongoing Libyan political crisis, and the elaboration of long-term agreements aimed at preserving Libyan statehood, to provide security in the country and to hold socioeconomic reforms," the ministry said.
"Emphasis was put on the need to deter the terrorist threat posed by ISIL, which had spread its influence into adjoining countries," the ministry said.
In that context, the conference participants welcomed the signing of a political agreement between the parties for the inter-Libyan negotiations, due on December 16, with the purpose of ending the conflict and forming single authorities in Libya, the ministry said.