MOSCOW, October 22 (Itar-Tass) — Moscow voices serious concern about the escalation of tension in the Libyan city of Bani Waled, 170 kilometres from Tripoli, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported on Monday.
“According to coming reports, which should be verified, dozens of people died and over 200 people were injured as a result of the clashes between government forces and supporters of the previous regime. Among victims there are a few of peaceful civilians, including children. The humanitarian situation in the city aggravates considerably,” the ministry said.
The events in Bani Waled prove, “The authorities in Libya continue to face serious difficulties in order to establish control over certain regions of the country.” “Thus, we are concerned about the delay of forming a new government and the absence of real results in creating a competent army and law enforcement structures,” the ministry said.
“We hope that urgent measures will be taken to settle the crisis by peaceful means, ensure safety for all civilian people who stay in the region and provide humanitarian aid to the local population,” the ministry said. “We are convinced that the efforts by the Libyan leadership to start a nationwide dialogue will facilitate stabilisation of the internal political situation in the country and further development of the political process,” the ministry said.