The Government of National Unity has requested an urgent clarification from Moscow regarding the reasons for the travel warning to Libya issued by the Russian embassy in Tripoli earlier on Thursday, noting the arrest of a Russian citizen in Libya.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that it had followed with great interest the statement issued by the Russian authorities, which warned its citizens against traveling to Libya, calling on its Russian counterpart to provide an urgent clarification regarding the reasons for this warning within the framework of what bilateral relations require in terms of mutual respect and transparency.
The Libyan Foreign Ministry confirmed that the measures taken against a Russian citizen were carried out in accordance with Libyan laws and legislation, in full coordination with the Office of the Attorney General, and under the supervision of the Deterrence Agency for Combating Terrorism and Organized Crime.
It added that initial investigations indicated that the individual was involved in activities that "harm public order and aim to corrupt Libyan youth, in addition to having connections with foreign armed groups operating in Africa," stressing that these measures come within the framework of preserving national security, rejecting any attempt to harm the image of stability and security achieved by the Government of National Unity with tireless efforts in the past period.
The Foreign Ministry renewed its commitment to the rule of law and the protection of citizens and guests of Libya, stressing its keenness to enhance constructive cooperation with all friendly countries, stressing also that diplomatic dialogue was the basis for resolving any pending issues in a manner that would serve common interests and respect the sovereignty and laws of states.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' statement came after the Russian Embassy in Libya warned its citizens against visiting Libya, especially the western part, whether for personal purposes or for tourism, stressing the continuation of recommendations issued since 2011 regarding the ban on travel to Libya, without referring to the arrest of a Russian citizen in Libya.
