MOSCOW. Sept 21 (Interfax) - Moscow is satisfied with the absence of hostilities in Libya, this situation should be "frozen" for further peaceful settlement, Russian Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said.
"As regards the situation 'on the land', I am satisfied to note that Libya has not seen hostilities over several weeks. As known, both Prime Minister of Libya's Government of National Accord Fayez al-Sarraj and President of the Libyan House of Representatives Aguila Saleh have made statements on August 21 that the cessation of hostilities was reached throughout Libya. In essence, such statements on ceasing fire certainly deserve to be supported, and they were backed by acting Special Representative of the UN secretary-general for Libya Stephanie Williams. Meanwhile, such declarations, as we see that, have a positive influence on the situation 'on the land,'" the high-ranking diplomat said.
"In this regard, it is extremely important that all members of the international community, as well as the Libyan sides themselves agreed with the principle that the Libyan crisis cannot have a military solution," Bogdanov said.
However, "this unfortunately does not suit all," he said. "We in our contacts are focusing on this principle, on the understanding that there cannot be a military solution, and we are insisting that any hostilities should be restarted," the Russian diplomat said. "This makes no sense. Therefore, we are saying that the situation 'on the land' as it is should be 'frozen', because, otherwise, this is fraught with resuming armed clashes," Bogdanov said.
The situation in the country has changed many times earlier, he said. "For instance, there is one situation in January, now it is different, I mean the Libyan National Army's withdrawal from those positions they have occupied at the time. However, if someone is going to change this situation now, this might lead to restarting clashes, casualties, and all of this might be dragged out and have devastating consequences," the deputy foreign minister said.
"Therefore, our position is as follows: as we keep on saying that there cannot be a military solution, it is necessary to stop hostilities already now, consolidate this truce, but not for dismembering and dividing Libya, but for creating conditions to establish a steady, intra-Libyan inclusive political dialogue," he said.
"As part of this dialogue, it is necessary to discuss the issues of Libya's state structure, seeking the main goal of ensuring its unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty, and resolving, certainly simultaneously, economic issues so that domestic riches, oil, investment, and all of the country's resources would be used to the benefit of all Libyan people without encroaching on the legitimate rights and interests of all Libyan regions," Bogdanov said.