Libya Experience Shows No Alternative to Political Solution Exists in Syria

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — According to the spokesman, the peace process in Syria should be completely inclusive, encompassing all political, social and religious groups found on the territory of the country.

"As for the situation in Libya, it is a striking experience for absolutely everyone, it has been repeatedly said by [Russian] President [Vladimir] Putin. It is such a telling experience that <…> emphasizes that there is no alternative to a political solution [in Syria], which emphasizes the absolute folly of assuming a blinkered approach deprived of any flexibility," Peskov told reporters.

Libya has been in a state of turmoil since 2011, when a civil war broke out in the country and long-standing leader Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown. The ensuing internal conflict and instability aided the advancement of the Daesh militant group in Libya, which is outlawed in Russia. On March 31, the long-anticipated UN-backed Government of National Accord in Libya started to perform its duties.

Like Libya, Syria has been in the state of civil war since 2011. On February 27, a ceasefire worked out by Russia and the United States took effect in the country. Terrorist groups are not covered by the agreement.