The Russian Ambassador to Libya, Aydar Aganin, announced on Thursday that the opening of the Russian General Consulate in Benghazi will be postponed until further notice following a “negative response” from the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Speaking to the Novosti agency on the occasion of Russia’s Diplomat Day, Aganin highlighted that the Russian Embassy operates in the GNU-controlled Tripoli and the western part of the country, as it also maintains communication with the eastern region.
However, the establishment of a Russian diplomatic presence in Benghazi has encountered certain obstacles due to the current stance of the authorities in Tripoli, as per the remarks of the ambassador.
“The General Consulate in Benghazi has been postponed for reasons that have not been fully explained, as the authorities in Tripoli do not consider this move to be in the best interest of the entire Libyan population,” Aganin said.
He expressed optimism that a favourable response would be received soon, emphasizing that such a step would facilitate the flow of Russian humanitarian aid to areas affected by Storm Daniel in eastern Libya, including Derna.
According to the Russian Ambassador, seven aircraft from the Ministry of Emergency Situations and Defence have delivered humanitarian and medical aid to eastern Libya.
On December 7 last year, the Russian Ambassador announced that the Moscow Embassy is operating at full capacity from Tripoli and providing its services as usual.