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Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel
Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel
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.
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!