Italy stresses need for elections in Libya

The commander of the self-styled army in eastern Libya, Khalifa Haftar agreed with the Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano that nothing can replace elections for a better future for Libya, according to Italy's news agency Aki.

Both Haftar and Alfano came to terms Monday in Rome regarding the fact that the upcoming December 17 is the anniversary and not the end of the Libyan Political Agreement signed in Morocco's Skhirat two years ago.

In contradiction to their idol's statements, Haftar's loyalists stormed several polling locations in eastern Libya and tore up the polling registration numbers of each electoral division they encountered, pronouncing Haftar as the sole military leader of Libya without going to elections.

"Election will be held in Libya. It is a train that has a destination but the question is how fast the train will go, meaning how soon the elections will be held in accordance with the UNSMIL's Head plan that sets September 2018 as the final completion date." Alfano said, according to the sources cited by Aki.

Alfano and Haftar also agreed to support Ghassan Salame's efforts, with Haftar wanting the Italian FM to hail his forces' role in defending Libyans against "terrorism" and his own role as a leader amid the current thought-shattered and inactive politicians.

Haftar's visit to Rome is the second as he was there last September meeting several Italian officials including Italy's Defense Minister Roberta Penotti, the Interior Minister Marco Minetti and the Chief of Staff Claudio Graziano.

Haftar - contradictory to his talks with Alfano - announced earlier that the LPA ends on December 17 and afterwards, his forces will take control of the country putting an end to all agreements and their subsequent political bodies; on the condition those bodies would have failed to reach a conclusive solution to Libya's crisis.

On the other hand, Russia is willing to help secure a solution to the Libyan crisis Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov has told his Libyan counterpart, Mohamed Siala, in talks today. He also announced plans to send a business mission to Libya early next year.

“We agreed to continue contacts to resume economic trade relations,” Lavrov said after the talks. “A Russian business mission is planned for Libya at the beginning of next year,” he disclosed, explaining that Russian companies wanted to return to Libya, especially those in the energy sector.

He believed that both sides in Libya were trying to find a solution under the auspices of UN envoy Ghassan Salamé, adding that Russia could see results from the discussions so far.

“The Russian Federation is ready to provide all-round support towards achieving a final arrangement. We established contacts with absolutely all political groups and tribes at the very beginning of the Libyan crisis,”  he said, repeating Moscow’s line that it still maintained relations with the two sides.

He added that once the situation had stabilised, Russia would be able to develop cooperation with Libya.

The two men also discussed the release of two Russians from the tanker Temeteron, held last year on suspicion of smuggling fuel. They are its captain and one of his officers. Another officer, a Ukrainian, is also still being held. All the other crew were released earlier this year. According to the Russians who were confident that the matter would soon be closed, Siala promised help secure their freedom.