Libya’s New Government to Re-examine Contracts with Russia
"Are we willing to see Russians in Libya again?.. Yes, probably, if those contracts do not benefit the deposed regime and have no ties with it. Will we extend Russian contracts? Theoretically, yes, but only after we study them and confirm that they are in line with the legislation and are not blemished by corruption,†al-Keeb said.
The prime minister added that though Libya’s new government is willing to attract investors to the country and is committed to honor all previously signed contracts, it is dissatisfied with Russia’s stance on Libya’s uprising, which led to Gaddafi’s overthrow and death.
“They had a political program and pursued own goals [in Libya]… Well, I admit they had the right to do it. Are we satisfied with how Russia acted under those circumstances? With all due respect - no,†the Libyan premier said.
Civil war broke out in Libya in February 2011 after protests against the rule of Muammar Gaddafi developed into full-scale insurrection.
The international NATO-led military operation began on March 19 following a UN resolution on "targeted measures" to protect civilians. Russia abstained during the Security Council vote and did not veto the resolution.
A number of leading Russian companies had signed profitable deals with the government of Muammar Gaddafi, including Russian railway monopoly RZD’s contract to build a 550-km high-speed rail link between Sirte and Benghazi.
Russian oil companies Gazprom Neft and Tatneft also worked in Libya, while Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport had a contract to sell weapons to the country.
Russia lost around $4 billion only in military sales to Libya due to the war and the resultant UN sanctions on Tripoli, according to data from Russian arms sales company Rosoboronexport and the Federal Military-Technical Agency.
NEWS FEED
Baku–Nakhchivan flights cancelled due to thunderstorms
One killed, 11 injured in Ukraine's attack on Volgograd
Bahrain says Iranian drones targeted its territory early Saturday
Zelenskyy confirms strike on military plant in Volgograd-VIDEO-UPDATED
Kremlin: Putin and Lukashenko continue talks
Small aircraft crash in Beijing kills one person, injures 13, local govt says
Iran's Foreign Ministry reacts to U.S. airstrikes
Leyla Aliyeva and Arzu Aliyeva visit "CandyFest" summer festival and watch "Magic Pearl" water circus show-PHOTO
Leyla Aliyeva and Arzu Aliyeva participate in seasonal flower planting campaign on Baku Boulevard-PHOTO
Leyla Aliyeva and Arzu Aliyeva attend opening and presentation ceremonies at the Seaside National Park-PHOTO
Baltic states urge EU to speed up ban on Russian oil imports
Seoul says Chinese, Russian military aircraft enter its air defense zone
Gold and silver rise in commodity markets
Natural gas falls on New York exchange
Azerbaijani oil trades at $74
Two police officers killed in armed attack on police checkpoint in Iran
Brent oil falls by more than 4%
Major global stock market indices
State Department: Lebanon agreement envisages withdrawal of Israeli forces
Saudi Arabia resumes oil loading in the Persian Gulf
Vance: US ready to discuss memorandum disagreements with Iran
IRGC says it struck US military positions in response to US airstrike on Iran
France wins Group I after beating Norway 4-1
US strikes Iranian targets in response to attack on cargo ship
Netanyahu says Israeli army will remain in southern Lebanon ‘security zone’ until Hezbollah disarmed
UK guarantees $1 billion World Bank loan to Ukraine
Israel, Lebanon sign framework peace deal after US-mediated talks
Venezuela quake death toll rises to 92
Trump accuses Iran of violating ceasefire with US
Scuffle breaks out during Georgian parliament session, proceedings suspended - PHOTO
Turkish ships stranded in Strait of Hormuz safely leave the region
Turkish actor Kadir İnanır dies at 77
Putin meets with Belarusian President Lukashenko
Putin bans deportation of foreigners serving under contract in Russian army
Seven Hezbollah fighters killed in Lebanon
Explosion followed by fire hits factory in Türkiye
Death toll hits 55 in France as drownings rise amid Europe heatwave
Baghaei: Joint statement by US and GCC is a distortion of truth
Rosatom says plans Bushehr staff return
Small aircraft crashes into Beijing’s tallest skyscraper - VIDEO
If Iran attacks Israel, it will ‘commit its biggest mistake’: Katz
Belarusian President Lukashenko departs for working visit to Russia
Russia advises its citizens against traveling to Moldova
Death toll from Venezuela earthquake rises to 589 - UPDATED - 4 - VIDEO
Azerbaijan and Italian foreign ministers hold phone conversation
Senior military ranks presented to servicemen of the Azerbaijan Ministry of Defense - PHOTO
CIS Secretary General: Armenia is not considering leaving the CIS
Former Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov dies at 73
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to visit Azerbaijan next week
Leadership of the Ministry of Defense visits Alley of Honor, Victory Park, and Military Memorial Cemetery - PHOTO