Russia has deadlocked the Security Council over the one-year renewal of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), diplomatic sources told The Moscow Times on Tuesday.
The sources added that Moscow, which has veto-wielding power, did not approve the language in a resolution drafted by the UK on the withdrawal of foreign troops and mercenaries from Libya. It also rejected the new role of the UN envoy to Libya.
“The mandate for the UN mission expires late Wednesday, and the Security Council planned to vote in the morning on a simple technical rollover until the end of the month in order to resolve issues by then,” the sources added.
During the last Security Council debate on Libya, Russia insisted that any withdrawal of foreign troops should be handled, so as not to jeopardize the balance of power in the country.
During a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Moscow, Russian President, Vladimir Putin said that the Second Berlin Conference resulted in agreements that would contribute to improving the situation in Libya.
“We now believe that the international community should continue dialogue with all political forces that have influence in Libya, to preserve and develop these positive results to a level that has not yet been achieved,” the President said
Meanwhile, Libyan Foreign Minister, Najla Al-Mangoush and her Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov called for the gradual and synchronised withdrawal of foreign forces from Libya.
During a joint press conference in Moscow, Al-Mangoush stressed that the withdrawal should take place in stages, in a simultaneous manner by both parties, and also in a practical and specific way. “We do not want to repeat the unsuccessful lessons in the neighbouring countries, because the withdrawal must take place in accordance with the law, and it must be deliberated and phased,” she said.