Russian, Algerian presidents discuss Libyan conflict

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday discussed with his Algerian counterpart Abdelmadjid Tebboune the latest developments in Libya.

In a phone talk, the two leaders expressed their support for the cease-fire and resumption of inter-Libyan peace talks based on the outcome of the Berlin Conference in January, which was later approved by the UN Security Council, the Kremlin said in a statement on its official website.

They also stressed the necessity of consolidating international efforts towards a diplomatic and political solution to the conflict, according to the statement.

Libya has been torn by civil war since the ouster of late ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Libya's new government was founded in 2015 under a UN-led agreement, but efforts for a long-term political settlement failed due to the military offensive by the warlord Khalifa Haftar’s forces.

The UN recognizes the Libyan government headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj as the country's legitimate authority.