MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The conversation between Lavrov and Haftar was focused on the developments in Libya's military and political environment and international efforts aimed at resolving the crisis.
Such efforts include the prospects for settlement introduced by Haftar and Prime Minister of the Libyan Government of National Accord Fayez Sarraj in late July.
"Russia’s continued readiness to further contribute to the successful advancement of the political process in Libya in contact with all of Libya’s sides was confirmed," the ministry said in a statement.
On August 3, the head of the Russian contact group on intra-Libyan settlement, Lev Dengov, said Russia was thinking of holding intra-Libyan talks, which could eventually take place in Moscow or Grozny, the capital city of Russia's republic of Chechnya. Dengov told Sputnik Saturday that Russia would contribute to a constructive dialogue between the conflicting parties in Libya.
On July 25, French President Emmanuel Macron said Sarraj and Haftar had agreed on a plan to take Libya out of crisis during their meeting in France, held earlier that same day. However, in early August, Italy decided to send its military ships to Libyan territorial waters to help combat illegal migration at the request of Sarraj. In response, Haftar accused Italy and Sarraj of violating the arrangements reached during the July meeting.
Backed by the United Nations, Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli, currently headed by Prime Minister of the Libyan Government of National Accord Fayez Sarraj, started operating in late March 2016. The Tobruk parliament does not support the UN-backed government in Tripoli.
