A few days ago Russian Ambassador Ivan Molotkov announced that a “vanguard group” would travel to Libya before the end of the year in order to work on the issue regarding the Russian embassy’s reopening in the country. The diplomats left Tripoli in October, when clashes between armed groups took place there.
- Mr. Abdelaziz, in your opinion are there proper conditions right now for the return of the Russian embassy to Libya?
- First of all, it was the Russian Ambassador who made the decision back in October to move the Russian embassy from Tripoli. From our side, on behalf of the Libyan government we immediately expressed our readiness to provide security for the Russian diplomats, specifically to strengthen security and to move the embassy employees to one of the well-protected hotels. It was proposed as a temporary measure, until the situation calmed down. However, his Excellency the Ambassador of Russia to Libya still expressed his desire to move together with his employees to Tunisia.
We are currently in intensive consultations with Russia's government, primarily with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding the return of the embassy to Libya. We have been informed that the decision to return has already been made, but to return not to the actual embassy building, but to one of the well protected hotels.
We are completely prepared for the return of the Russian embassy to Libya. We value our relations with Russia. What happened should not affect the relations. We hope that the team of Russian diplomats returns to Libya as soon as possible in order to restore and strengthen our ties.
- Will a hotel be safer?
- It was a decision made by Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs – to find a different place. It was not our decision.
- We talked in September during your visit to Moscow, a month before the riots in Tripoli began and the Russian embassy left. Back then you said that two Russian citizens who had been in prison in Libya since 2011 – Shadrov and Dolgov – would return home. What is the situation with this issue right now?
- So far we have not signed the necessary agreement to transfer the persons sentenced to a prison term to serve their sentence at home. Libya shows its eagerness to work with Russia to negotiate such an agreement, which would give the prisoners an opportunity to return home. I hope to restart these negotiations as soon as the Russian embassy returns to Tripoli.
- During this period another Russian citizen, Ekaterina Ustyuzhanonova, accused of killing a Libyan citizen, ended up in prison as well. Where is she? What is going on with her?
- The investigation of this case still continues. A Libyan officer fell victim to that crime. As far as I know, she is being treated well. The investigators are trying to find out what happened and what were the reasons.
- I feel that you want the Russian embassy to return. Why?
- Because the clashes between the Libyan armed groups, which caused the departure of the Russian embassy, were not typical. The situation has long calmed down. And we need to develop relations between Libya and Russia.
During my visit in September I personally talked to the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as well as with other people about the numerous opportunities. Among other things, we discussed cooperation in the military and industrial area, about training of personnel and arms purchases. Libya wants to strengthen its relations with Russia. Back then we felt that there was a similar intent on the Russian side.
- What is your view of Russia's efforts to call a peace conference to resolve the conflict in another Arab country – in Syria?
- On this issue I can speak not only as the head of the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but also on behalf of the Arab League. At present time and until March 2014 Libya heads the Council of Ministers of the Arab League. We welcome the idea to call a conference on Syria in Geneva. We advocate a peaceful and political resolution of the conflict in Syria.
On the other hand, it is still unclear whether that conference in Geneva will bring the necessary results. But if Russia and Foreign Minister Lavrov find it necessary to hold additional consultations with us and with the Arab League regarding this issue, we are ready.
Read more: http://voiceofrussia.com/2013_12_02/Libya-prepared-for-return-of-Russian-embassy-wants-to-strengthen-ties-Libya-FM-8003/