Russia confirms observance of embargo on arms supplies to Libya

Deputy Prime Minister of Libya's Government of National Accord (GNA) Ahmed Maiteeq did not discuss with the Russian authorities the possibility of Moscow providing military assistance to the country, the head of the Russian contact group on Libya, Lev Dengov, said, Sputnik reports.

"No, this issue was not discussed, since there is an embargo on the supply of weapons to Libya. Russia adheres to international obligations," Dengov said, commenting on the Maiteeq's talks with Russian officials in Moscow and Grozny, the Chechen Republic.

Russia is not interested in lifting the UN arms embargo on Libya, he said, commenting on a recent statement by a Libyan official claiming the contrary.

"I cannot comment on [the statement], because I personally have heard nothing about such efforts. Russia has always followed international rules and norms, the UN resolutions on the arms embargo … Russia’s mission in Libya is purely about peacekeeping, that is why we keep in touch with all the parties to the conflict," Dengov said, adding that "no one, including Russia, is interested in arming one of the conflict’s parties" as it may lead to escalation of the crisis.

According to Dengov, Russia has its own mission, while statements about what Libya would like Moscow to do are "another issue completely."