An American-Russian rapprochement looms on the horizon over the Libyan file, in light of divergence and tension in many files between the two sides, most notably the Ukrainian crisis.
American vision
During the past months, the US administration has given special priority to the Libyan file, and has also sought, through the Security Council and allies in Europe, to push for a political settlement, and work to stop the support provided to armed militias that implement foreign agendas.
In the context, Libyan politician Muhammad al-Douri says that Washington has paid attention to Libya during the past short period, as the American vision in that African country has always been based on the strategy of “leading from the scenes” without direct intervention, and this appeared since the beginning of the crisis, where Washington’s European allies took the lead. .
In his statements to “Sky News Arabia”, the Libyan politician stressed that after the deterioration of the situation in Libya, the increase of international players and the failure of Europe to contain the chaos that struck the country over the years, all of these reasons prompted Washington to enter directly into the crisis line.
For his part, Abdel Moneim Al-Yasir, head of the National Security Committee of the outgoing Libyan General National Congress, says that Washington is racing against time now to prevent any penetration of Russian influence in North Africa, especially Libya.
Al-Yasir explained, in his statements to “Sky News Arabia”, that the European failure in the Libyan file gave Moscow, according to the American point of view, the opportunity to create a new pressure card and a zone of influence in the Middle East.
Russian moves
In the middle of last month, and in light of international preparations and meetings to discuss the Libyan elections process, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that it is necessary to direct the participants in the Libyan conflict to search for a settlement. The Russian President also stressed that developing dialogue with the countries of the Middle East is an absolute priority for Russia. .
Russian hints in light of the tension with the United States in a number of files, and at the beginning of this month, Putin discussed, in a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the situation in Libya, and it was emphasized that there is no alternative to a political and diplomatic settlement under the auspices of the United Nations.
The two parties also expressed their full support for the success of the general elections scheduled for December 24, which should contribute to restoring the institutions of the Libyan state and its territorial integrity.
In this context, Abdel Moneim al-Yasir says that he does not hide from anyone the crisis in the US-Russian relationship, unlike Moscow’s efforts to control new geographic areas in which Washington can maneuver; What is happening in Ukraine and Crimea is not isolated from what is happening in Syria, North Africa, and specifically Libya.
For his part, Libyan researcher Muhammad al-Douri explained that Russia is now following a pragmatic policy through which it cooperates with all parties regardless of their differences and is trying to avoid its mistakes in the Syrian crisis, and work to achieve a balance in its relations between regional and international actors influential in the Libyan crisis.
Libyan gains
Continuous international rapprochement with the approach of the Libyan elections, and here Al-Yasir adds that the expected talks between Washington and Moscow will not benefit Libya much, because these talks are primarily about understandings to ensure the interests of the two sides inside Libya.
The head of the National Security Committee of the Libyan General National Congress stressed that the only positive thing that the Libyan file derives from these talks is international insistence and understanding about holding the presidential elections on time.
For his part, Libyan researcher Mohamed al-Douri stressed that Moscow seeks to avoid an escalatory approach to the crisis, as escalation will cause more risks, and Russia is convinced that it will not be the only mediator in the Libyan crisis without consensus with other international powers.
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