Gen. Khalifa Hifter, a commander in the Libyan National Army, leaves after a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, Nov. 29, 2016. (photo by REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov)
Bloomberg: Russia Urges Libya Leadership Role for UN-Defying Military Chief
* Top Russian diplomat says Haftar is ‘leading political figure’
* UN envoy ignoring influential players in Libya, Gatilov says
Russia threw its weight behind a powerful Libyan army commander, Khalifa Haftar, who’s in conflict with the UN-backed government there, saying he must have a role in the leadership of the crisis-wracked state.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov criticized the United Nations’ envoy to Libya for favoring other political forces in the North African country. His comments marked Russia’s strongest endorsement yet of Haftar, which may complicate Western-led efforts to shore up the weak, internationally-recognized government in the capital, Tripoli. Russia says the UN-mandated body is ineffective.
“We believe that the Libyans have to find a compromise on his participation in the new Libyan leadership,” Gatilov said of Haftar, who controls more territory than any other faction in the divided country, in written answers to questions from Bloomberg News.
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WNU Editor: Libyan army commander Khalifa Haftar controls more territory than anyone else in Libya .... and he controls much of the oil industry. He is also a former CIA asset .... who (it appears) to be looking for new allies.
More News On Russia's Growing Role In Libya
Russia seeks influence in Libya -- DW
After Syria, Putin promotes Libyan strongman as new ally -- Gulf News/Bloomberg
Hifter in Moscow: Russia’s shifting interests in Libya -- Al-Monitor
Russia expresses support for Libyan Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar -- Digital Journal
Moscow ups support for Hafter, picks on UNSMIL chief -- Libya Herald
Russia and France work for settlement of Libya, French Ambassador says -- Libyan Express
