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Russia blocking UN’s mission in Libya, diplomats say

September 17, 2021 at 1:00 pm

Members of the United Nations Security Council vote to extends its political mission in Libya with a mandate to promote democracy during a meeting on Libya and the Middle East situation 12 March 2012 [AFP PHOTO/ TIMOTHY A. CLARY / Getty]

The United Nations’ political mission in Libya is being blocked by Russia, threatening the country’s unity ahead of a presidential election due to be held on 24 December, diplomatic sources said.

Russia vetoed a resolution drafted by Britain on the withdrawal of foreign troops and mercenaries from Libya as well as the role of the UN envoy to Libya because it did not approve the wording of the document, reports have said.

Moscow has issued no comment but its actions have led to deadlock over the one-year renewal of the United Nations political mission in Libya.

UN officials urged the implementation of “United Nations Security Council resolutions in Libya, including the withdrawal of foreign forces and mercenaries.”

Meanwhile, on 14th of September, it is reported that eight members of the same family were wounded when a landmine was planted by the Russian Wagner Group, which fights on the side of renegade General Khalifa Haftar in the Libyan capital Tripoli.

Libya: Mercenaries for Haftar brought from Syria