All Political Forces Should Take Part in Libyan Authorities' Formation

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Russia insists on the need to form national governing bodies in Libya with the participation of all leading political forces, tribal groups and regions of the country, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said on Saturday in a phone conversation with UN Special Envoy for Libya Martin Kobler.

"During the exchange of views on the situation in Libya, the main focus was put on the implementation of the inter-Libyan political agreement, signed under the auspices of the United Nations in the Moroccan city of Skhirat on December 17, 2015. The Russian side confirmed the need to engage the representatives of leading political forces, tribal groups and regions of the country in the formation of national public authorities in Libya," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The two sides also reiterated the importance of maintaining active contacts on the Libyan issue between Russia and the United Nations.

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, and the country was contested by two rival governments — the internationally-recognized Council of Deputies based in Tobruk and the Tripoli-based General National Congress.

The two sides came to an agreement on December 17, 2015 paving the way to the formation of the Government of National Accord.