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Lifting embargo possible after peace settled in Libya— foreign ministry

Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov says the issue of lifting an arms embargo from Libya can be discussed only after political processes inside the country are completed

© EPA/VALENTIN FLAURAUD / POOL

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Participants in conference on Libya ready to supply weapons on Tripoli’s request

VIENNA, May 16./TASS/. The issue of lifting an arms embargo from Libya can be discussed only after political processes inside the country are completed, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov told reporters on Monday.

"The issue can be discussed only after an agreement is reached among all forces that participate in this process," he said.

For this, it is necessary that "the Government of National Accord receives an approval from the national assembly to see efficient state institutions formed," he said.

Earlier on Monday, countries participants in the conference on Libya voiced their readiness to supply weapons to the presidential guard forces set up recently by the Government of National Accord as an attempt to reform law-enforcement services. However, they said restrictive measures of the United Nations should stay in place not to see weapons getting into the hands of the forces that are not under the GNA control.

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