RTSat, 11 Jan 2020 19:52 UTC
© RT/YoutubeRussian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel
Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at a joint press conference about ending the ongoing conflicts in Libya, saying peace talks are already happening and will continue.
Libya peace talks are planned in Berlin, Putin and Merkel announced, following calls for a ceasefire in the country."We hope that the joint efforts by Russia and Turkey will lead to success, and we will soon send out invitations for a conference in Berlin," Merkel added.Putin and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan again called for a ceasefire between all warring parties in Libya, at the conference in Istanbul earlier this week. The Russian leader also discussed the peace process in the country with Mohammed Bin Zayed, deputy supreme commander of the United Arab Emirates' armed forces, and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
"It's time to make the necessary measures to find a timely end to this war, to overcome the division inside the country and to form unified state institutions," Putin said on Saturday.
Putin also addressed the reports of Russians fighting in Libya, saying that such fighters do not represent Russia, nor are they paid by the country.
Warring factions in Libya began fighting for power following a US-led NATO intervention to overthrew the government of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The nation has also become a safe haven for terrorists in the ensuing chaos. General Khalifa Haftar, leader of the Libyan National Army, controls much of the country, warring with the Government of National Accord (GNA), which is the internationally recognized power in the country.
Comment: Less than 5 hours later...
The Libyan National Army led by General Khalifa Haftar has declared a ceasefire after Russian and Turkish presidents suggested as a way to de-escalate the hostilities with the government in Tripoli.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel's also called for ending hostilities between the two warring sides in the troubled North Africa country earlier on Sunday and promised conducting peace conference in Berlin.
THIS is how a responsible and civilized 'light unto the nations' is supposed to conduct its own, and thus world, affairs.
Not only that, but it's not merely going to be an empty round of peace talks because for years prior to this Putin earned the respect and trust of BOTH sides of the conflict in Libya, who recognize Russia as an honest broker.
The two leaders also agreed to
continue supporting the JCPOA, so 'the Iran Deal' is NOT dead yet. Putin also mentioned the special-purpose financial vehicle, INSTEX Europe - which was created to facilitate trade with Iran in circumvention of US sanctions - would soon
"be up and running" and that European nations
"would deliver on their promise to create an independent mechanism free of the dollar influence."Here's a longer video of Putin and Merkel's statements following their meeting in Moscow:
See also:
Question is, the EU is faced with a huge choice, Put their own interests first, or succumb to the US and pay a huge price.
The prospect of a conference in Berlin to reach some political resolution in Libya is another major development. Like the Astana format, and the still to be realised Minsk accords, Russia is the leading light again. Interesting times!