By Libya Herald reporter.
Tripoli, 28 June 2016:
General Khalifa Hafter has had talks with Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu about weapons supplies from Russia, including aircraft spares, as well as Moscow’s potential role in helping bring about a settlement in Libya.
Also taking part in the meetings, according to the Russian news agency Sputnik, was the head of the Security Council of Russia, Nikolai Patrushev – in effect, Russia’s national security boss.
According to the Russian ambassador to Libya, Ivan Molotkov, the talks took place yesterday. He was quoted by Sputnik saying that Hafter was meeting top foreign ministry officials today.
At present, the supply of weapons to Libya is still banned by the UN, although that had not stopped the flow.
There are reports that, as part of Moscow’s growing desire to persue its own mediation efforts in Libya, one of Hafters most determined opponents, Ahmed Maetig, is also due in the Russian capita in the coming days, but this has not been confirmed.
Moscow recognises the Presidency Council and Faiez Serraj as its head, and voted for it at the UN Security Council. Lavrov,who last March described Libya as a “black hole”, has insisted, however, that it will only recognise the Government of National Accord and Serraj as prime minister once the HoR has voted for it.
