The Russian Ambassador to Libya, Aydar Aganin, emphasised that elections are the only way to establish legitimate institutions that will lead Libya towards future development and prosperity.
He acknowledged the difficult situation in Libya, noting that the political division is painful for Russia given their historical ties. Aganin called on Libyan parties to genuinely work towards ending the division and unifying the country and its institutions.
In remarks to Al-Jazeera news, Aganin stressed the importance of forming sovereign institutions and granting them legitimacy through the ballot box. He expressed Russia’s desire to see Libya as a unified, secure, and prosperous state, highlighting that Russia maintains contact with all parties and excludes no one.
The ambassador mentioned that Russia is present in Tripoli and collaborates with the Government of National Unity (GNU). He also noted that there have been numerous visits from western Libya to Russia.
Earlier, Aganin has refuted the claims made in Western media reports about Moscow’s intention to establish military bases in Libya.
In an interview with Russia Today, Aganin stated, “We do not have any military bases in Libya, and we have no plans to establish a permanent military base in Libya.”
He added that Russia’s role in the Libyan landscape aims to end unilateralism and strengthen relations with all political parties in Libya without exception, while also enhancing cooperation across various fields to achieve the desired stability.
Recent Western media reports had suggested that Russia was seeking to expand its military influence in Africa, starting from Libya. However, the Russian ambassador’s remarks have categorically denied these claims.
In March, the Russian President’s Special Envoy to the Middle East and North Africa, and Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, Mikhail Bogdanov, voiced support for the conduct of elections and the formation of a unified government in Libya.
In press statements, Bogdanov highlighted elections as a cornerstone for resolving Libya’s enduring strife, promoting Russia’s endorsement for comprehensive national presidential and parliamentary elections.
He stressed the imperative of inclusivity, advocating for the engagement of all political entities in Libya in the electoral process. This proposition is a testament to Russia’s commitment to a political resolution that aspires to restore sovereignty and peace to Libya.
Furthermore, Bogdanov addressed allegations circulated by American media regarding Russia’s purported formation of an “African Legion”. He refuted these claims, clarifying the logistical and legal improbabilities of such a formation without explicit agreements and parliamentary ratification in both Russia and the involved African nations.
