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Lavrov reiterates demand to Libya to respect rights of convicts

He focussed attention on the fate of the citizens of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, who were arrested in Libya and sentenced to lengthy prison terms

MOSCOW, September 28 (Itar-Tass) — Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at a meeting with his Libyan counterpart Ashour bin Khayal has confirmed the demand to respect the rights of the citizens of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine who were convicted in this country. The ministers’ talks were held in New York on the sidelines of the 67th session of the UN General Assembly.

“Lavrov focussed attention on the fate of the citizens of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, who were arrested in Libya and sentenced to lengthy prison terms,” the Foreign Ministry said. “The demand to respect the rights of the citizens in accordance with international norms and standards, to ensure their prompt return to the homeland was confirmed at the talks.”

“During the discussion of the developments in Libya, the Russian foreign minister positively assessed the first-ever free elections to Parliament that were held there recently, and the transfer of power to the elected General National Congress as concrete specific steps in the political process,” the ministry informed. “The Russian side again reaffirmed its readiness to provide practical assistance to the Libyan authorities in the fulfilment of their major tasks of the arrangement of peaceful life and the establishment of a democratic government.”

“The sides had a detailed exchange of views on the prospects for the resumption and strengthening of multifaceted Russian-Libyan cooperation,” the ministry stressed. “Lavrov and Khayal stated there is mutual interest in the development of bilateral cooperation in various fields.”