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Middle East and North Africa

Russia supports creation of effective army, law enforcement in Libya ― Lavrov

Moscow supports Libyan leadership’s plans to ensure efficiency of state institutions, restore economy and launch a fight against terrorism, the Russian foreign minister said

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov EPA/SIMELA PANTZARTZI

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

© EPA/SIMELA PANTZARTZI

MOSCOW, December 14. /TASS/. Russia is interested in the settlement of the crisis in Libya and in the creation of effective army and law enforcement in the country, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday at the meeting with Libyan Parliament Speaker Aguila Saleh.

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"You came at a time that is uneasy for our country, when the unity of people and Libya’s territorial integrity are tested," Lavrov said. "Russia is not indifferent to the future of the Libyan people, with whom we are connected by many years of friendship and cooperation. We are interested in Libya overcoming the prolonged crisis, in the creation of effective army and law enforcement," he added.

Moscow supports Libyan leadership’s plans to ensure efficiency of state institutions, restore economy and launch a fight against terrorism, the foreign minister said. "All this envisages stepping up efforts along the political line," the Russian minister noted adding that "only Libyans themselves can resolve the crisis."

Lavrov expressed confidence that settlement in Libya will have a positive effect on the situation in the region in general "where Libya traditionally played an important role."

Saleh in turn noted that he is happy to meet with Lavrov who "leads Russian diplomacy with wisdom and professionalism, thus strengthening respect for Russia." "We are glad that Russia confirms its position on Libya’s territorial integrity and inadmissibility of foreign interference," he concluded.

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Middle East and North Africa Foreign policy Sergey Lavrov Security

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