UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) – On Wednesday, the UN Security Council endorsed an agreement between the rival parties in Libya to form a unity government.
"The priority task in our view is that the future government of national accord must reach agreement with all influential political forces regarding the formation of robust and inclusive bodies of authority," Safronkov said after the endorsement.
The internationally-recognized Libyan government in Tobruk and its rival in Tripoli struck a UN-brokered accord on December 17 in the Moroccan city of Skhirat to form a national unity government.
"Russian representatives participated actively and continue to participate actively in international efforts on assisting the intra-Libyan process," Safronkov said on Wednesday, adding that "Libya achieving stability and unity will also enable us to resolve an important task, namely, that of sustainable development, which of course is in keeping with the interests of the Libyan people and the whole of northern Africa."
Libya has been in a state of turmoil for years after the Arab Spring protests in early 2011 led to a civil war and the overthrow of long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi.
A UN-brokered dialogue on national reconciliation in Libya has continued for almost a year.