US Warns Libyan Leaders Against Rapprochement with Russia

The Russian TASS agency reported with reference to the Al-Hadat TV channel that the United States warned the Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Armed Forces, Khalifa Haftar, and other leaders of the country against rapprochement with Russia.

Cautioning Haftar and Libyan Leaders

A White House spokesman said: “We (the US administration) caution Haftar and other Libyan leaders against relying on (Russian President Vladimir) Putin.”

Importance of Unity

According to a US administration official: “Libyan leaders must come together in a time of crisis.” Adding that Washington “is in contact with the (Libyan) government to provide support.”

Haftar’s Visit to Moscow

The White House spokesman’s statements came after Haftar’s visit to Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

Discussion on Developments in Libya

The Libyan National Army said during Haftar’s visit to Russia that “during the visit, negotiations were held regarding developments in Libya, and bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to strengthen and develop them, as well as issues of common interest were discussed.”

Meeting with Putin

Press Secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov confirmed that President Vladimir Putin yesterday, Thursday, received the Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Armed Forces, Khalifa Haftar, in the Kremlin.

Source

Source: TASS