Today, 04:10 • Photo: REUTERS/Esam Omran Al-Fetori the Russian capital is going to visit Khalifa Haftar, known for its secular attitudes and rejection of the Islamists of all stripes To Moscow next week comes the commander-in-chief of the Libyan army Khalifa Haftar. This was “Izvestia” said a source close to diplomatic circles in this country. Now we are working on the program of the visit of the Libyan military. According to a source, the visit is at the initiative of General and was made possible after a meeting he held in Cairo with an envoy of the Russian President for the Middle East and Africa, Deputy foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov during his visit to the countries of the region. As told “Izvestia” a member of the state Duma Committee on international Affairs, Anwar Makhmutov, Russia Khalifa Haftar was chosen not by accident. According to the Deputy, the commander-in-chief probably see in our country a real force, which can contribute to stabilization in Libya. The Russian leadership, in turn, are ready to meet and discuss the situation with any representative of this North African country provided that he is not an extremist and not stained their hands with blood. — If Moscow is ready to give some assistance, it strictly adheres to its obligations. This distinguishes us from some other countries. However, taking into account the tacit support that Egypt has made Haftar and the Libyan General intention to build a secular state that has nothing to do with “Brothers-Moslems” (the decision of the Supreme court of Russia this organization is recognized as terrorist. — “Izvestia”), LIH (banned in Russia. — “The news”) and other similar organizations, I believe that our country will be in contact with him, — said Anvar Makhmutov. Khalifa Haftar is known for his anti-Islamist views. After the events that led to the overthrow and murder of Muammar Gaddafi, he returned to Libya and sided with secular forces, including recognized by the international community of the Parliament, based in Tobruk, in the East of the country. In may 2014, Haftar announced the launch of “operation Dignity of Libya”. Then he announced his intention “to exterminate all extremists and terrorists”. — We don’t want someone from the “Muslim brotherhood” was on Libyan lands, and not allow anyone to continue from this group to stay in Libya. We will not retreat, until finally dealt with them, “al-Qaeda” or others, which are nothing but branches of the brotherhood under different names, stated in 2014, Khalifa Haftar. However, which began under his leadership fighting against the Islamists, supported by tribal militias, have not brought significant results. This is despite the fact that considered to be tacit support of the Libyan General had Egypt and the UAE. And now to the “Brothers” and “al-Qaeda” were added, the ISIS terrorists, makes the situation for the secular forces are quite heavy. Obviously, this explains the desire of the Haftorah to find support outside the region. In the biography of the Libyan General has disturbing facts. During one of the battles of the Libyan-Chadian war, 1978-1987, Haftar was captured. Being in a Chadian prison, he disowned Muammar Gaddafi and was soon transported to the United States. Long stay General in the U.S. territory leads many to suspect him of links with the CIA. According to chief researcher at the Centre for Arab and Islamic studies of the Institute of Oriental studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences Anatoly Egorin, it can alert the Russian leadership. — Any such individual contacts will be useful, as in Libya, are rather tumultuous events. In this country will gradually settle ISIL militants and other terrorist groups as they will be out of Syria and Iraq. At the same time, Haftar is considered Pro-Western man, but because Russia will keep him at a distance, but attentively watching the situation in Libya, — said Anatoly Egorin.
Libya commander goes to Moscow
