Russia says Qaddafi’s son should play role in politics
Saif Al Islam Qaddafi, the most prominent son of former Libyan despot Muammar Qaddafi, should play a role in his country’s political life, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said.
One of Saif Al Islam’s representatives delivered a letter from him to Moscow this month in which he set out ideas for the political future of Libya, the RIA news agency reported on Monday.
Western powers and the UN are pushing for the North African country to hold elections next year after a conference to try to end the conflict.
Muammar Qaddafi was toppled and killed in a 2011 uprising. Saif Al Islam, who was detained afterwards then freed, was regarded by some as a possible reformist successor to his father in the years before 2011 and remains a key figure for Qaddafi loyalists.
“We believe that nobody should be isolated or excluded from a constructive political role,” Mr Bogdanov said. “That’s why we are maintaining contacts with all groups who are based in the west, east and south of the country.
“Saif Al Islam has the backing of specific tribes and all this should be part of the political process with the participation of other political forces.”
Russia is also in contact with Libyan commander Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar who dominates eastern Libya and has visited Moscow for talks with top officials.