Putin, Macron discuss Libya, Syria, Ukraine

By Dmitri Chirciu

MOSCOW (AA) – The presidents of Russia and France discussed the ongoing crisis in Libya plus Syria and Ukraine over the phone, Russia’s state-run TASS news agency said Tuesday.

Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron stressed the importance of resolving the Libyan crisis through diplomacy, the agency reported.

“In this regard, Russia and France confirmed their support for mediating efforts by the UN and Germany on a peaceful settlement," said the agency, citing the Kremlin.

On April 4, Khalifa Haftar -- the leader of eastern Libyan forces -- launched an offensive to capture the capital Tripoli from forces of the internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA).

According to UN data, over a thousand people have been killed since the start of the operation and more than 5,000 injured.

Since the ouster and death of ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, two seats of power have emerged in Libya: one in eastern Libya supported mainly by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates and another in Tripoli, which enjoys UN and international recognition.

-Ukraine

The two leaders also discussed the Normandy Four summit of France, Germany, Ukraine and Russia which was held last week in the French capital Paris.

“Putin stressed the importance of consistent implementation of the agreed steps, including a permanent law on Donbass’ special status, ensuring the ceasefire regime and prisoner exchange,” the agency reported.

Russia and Ukraine have been at loggerheads since 2014, when Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea Peninsula after a controversial referendum.

Turkey as well as the UN General Assembly view the annexation as illegal.

Ukraine also blames the Kremlin for separatist violence in Donbass, a region in eastern Ukraine that borders Russia.

The leaders also discussed the transit of Russian gas to European Union countries via Ukraine.

-Syria

Putin also informed Macron on the implementation of the Russian-Turkish agreements on the situation in northeastern Syria and Idlib.

On Oct. 22, Ankara and Moscow reached a deal under which YPG/PKK terrorists would pull back 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) south of Turkey’s border with Syria and security forces from Turkey and Russia would mount joint patrols there.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The YPG is the PKK's Syrian offshoot.

Syria has been locked in a vicious civil war since early 2011, when the Bashar al-Assad regime cracked down on pro-democracy protests.