MOSCOW. Dec 12 (Interfax) - Foreign Minister of the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) Mohamed Tahir Siala has said he is hopeful that negotiations between the opposing sides in Libya will lead to a transitional process in the country and will help in holding elections and drafting the country's constitution.
"As you know, today the special envoy of the UN secretary general is working to narrow the gap between the positions taken by the sides in the Libyan conflict, including as concerns preparations for the future meeting [UN consultations] are concerned," he said before the start of talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow.
"We have already held several meetings in Tunisia. Certain agreements have been achieved concerning the composition of our legislature. I hope that these mediated talks between the sides will eventually lead to a transitional period, during which all institutions will be established and the foundation will be laid for holding presidential and parliamentary elections and also the foundation for preparing a referendum on a future constitution," he said.
The minister also thanked Russia for its assistance extended to Libya.
"We would like to thank the Russian Federation for all of the efforts made by it to achieve the Skhirat agreement. We hope that the agreement reached will lead to the creation of a stable, safe and economically prosperous state," he said.