Russia First Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Dmitry Polyanskiy said that Libya’s Prime Minister-designate, Fathi Bashaga is still committed to “engaging in any action in the interest of Libya,” after the expiration of the roadmap set by the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF).
During a Security Council session on Monday, Polyanskiy added that the end of the roadmap “does not mean acting in a confused or reckless manner.” the Russia official called for a unified government, and to work on unifying the Libyan army.
He noted that Libya still suffering from “the repercussions of the Western aggression in 2011, which completely destroyed the country and provoked a political crisis that continues to this day.”
The Russia official expressed his hope that the Speaker of the Libyan Parliament, Ageela Saleh and the Head of the High Council of State (HCS), Khaled Al-Mishri would reach a solution to the remaining differences regarding the draft constitution.
He also expressed his satisfaction with the continuation of the ceasefire agreement, praising the role of Libya’s 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC).
The Russia diplomat stressed that Moscow supports a simultaneous and gradual withdrawal of all foreign fighters from Libya, in accordance with the agreements reached in Geneva last year.
He stressed the need for the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to play the main mediating role in the future of Libya. He also criticized the “beheaded” mission, which remains without a leader. “It cannot perform the functions of its crucial mandate of protecting the national dialogue,” he explained.
Notably, Saleh and Al-Mishri are due to hold a meeting in Geneva on 28-29 June to discuss the controversial points regarding the constitution, and the elections. Adviser to the UN Secretary-General, Stephanie Williams said the talks will focus on finalizing transitional measures, and holding elections.