Moscow will welcome if the United States uses its influence in the Libyan conflict to support the efforts of Russia and other countries seeking an immediate ceasefire in the Arab Republic, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu previously called on the United States to play a more active role in resolving the Libyan crisis.
“If the United States can use its influence in the Libyan conflict to reinforce the efforts of Russia and other external players who advocate an immediate ceasefire, I think it would be very, very positive. We’ll see”, – Lavrov said at a news conference commenting on this statement.
As Lavrov emphasized, “any constructive assistance to overcome the crisis – whether in Libya, Syria or elsewhere – is welcome”. At the same time, the minister admitted that he did not know “what concrete steps the United States can take to advance the Libyan settlement”.
“They participated in the Berlin Conference, where Russia was also represented at the level of President Putin. They signed the resolution of the UN Security Council, which approved the decision of the Libyan conference. They emphasize that they recognize the Government of National Accord, which is located in Tripoli and which is one of the parties to the conflict”, – Lavrov recalled.
In Libya, the confrontation continues between the GNA, led by Fayez Sarraj, which controls Tripoli and territories in the west of the country, and the LNA under the command of Haftar, who has been trying to recapture the capital for more than a year. Both sides of the conflict say that opponents receive help from arms and manpower from outside.
In recent weeks, GNA forces have reported significant successes in the Battle of Tripoli and announced their intention to build on success by establishing control of the city of Sirte and other territories east of the capital.