Russia Tuesday said it is surprised after east-based Libyan rebel Gen. Khalifa Haftar on Monday proclaimed himself the ruler of war-torn oil-rich African country, reports say.
A diplomat at the Russian foreign ministry who asked not be named because not allowed to speak on the matter argued that the move by Haftar breaches UN Security Council resolution calling for negotiated solution among all Libyans.
This is surprising. There are decisions of the Berlin summit, and more importantly – the UN Security Council resolution 2510, which must be implemented first of all by the Libyans themselves with the assistance of the international community, the UN secretary-general,” the diplomat told state-run RIA news agency.
“We advocate for the continuation of an inclusive inter-Libyan dialogue within the framework of the political process, and there is no military solution to the conflict,” the official said.
Haftar who has been opposed to the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) on Monday in a video he “accepted the popular mandate” to govern the country, using as a pretext street demonstrations in the areas under his control.
Backed by Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France and Wagner Group; a pro-Moscow mercenary company has been since April last year pushing to unseat the GNA after he launched a surprise military offensive.
With Turkey and Qatar’s backing, the GNA has managed to derail the military pushing after recovering several key positions from Haftar forces this month.
Russia taken aback after Haftar proclaimed himself Libya ruler
