Russia to reopen embassy in Libya
For years Russia supported the eastern-based military forces in Libya, but now Moscow is working with the Tripoli government to reopen its embassy there.
TUNIA — Russia is set to reopen its embassy in Libya’s capital, Tripoli, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said Monday. The embassy has been closed for over nine years due to the deteriorating security situation in the North African country.
A Libyan diplomatic source, speaking to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, said, “Russia is currently making arrangements in coordination with the Government of National Unity headed by Abdul Hamid Dbeibah to reopen the embassy. The embassy staff would first start working from a hotel until a safe space is found to establish the new embassy headquarters, amid the recurrent clashes between militias in the capital.”
Russia was one of the first countries to recognize the rival government headed by Fathi Bashagha, who was appointed by the eastern-based parliament in February.
Moscow seems to be reconsidering its policy toward Libya after Bashagha made several failed attempts to take the capital and Dbeibah refuses to hand over power.
