NATO voices concern over Russian interference in Libya


(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) BRUSSELS, March 25 (KUNA) -- NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller said Saturday the Alliance is looking for ways to stabilize Libya amid concerns over Russia's interference in the country.

"Let me mention that we have received a request from the Prime Minister in Libya to go there and to begin NATO training. So I think NATO is looking for ways to help in Libya and we will look to develop capacity there," she told the plenary session of Brussels Forum.

"The trouble that I have with what's going on with Russia right now and Libya. I am very concerned about Russian forces seemingly gathering to influence the situation there. It troubles me very, very much," said the NATO official.

On his part, US Senator Ron Johnson said: "I think Libya is just another example of what happens when, you know, if you break it you own it." He was speaking at the same session on "Transatlantic security," on the final day of the three-day 12th Brussels Forum of the German Marshall Fund.

"And if you topple a regime, you better be prepared to go in and stabilize the situation and be there for the long haul. And that's what we didn't do in Libya," he added.

On Syria, Johnson said: "Now, we see it full-fledged genocide. Half a million people slaughtered by the Syrian regime and to think that you could solve that problem by negotiation, I wish you could.

"But I think that's a fantasy. Diplomacy follows facts on the ground. And the facts on the ground are such that Russia and Iran, Hezbollah and Assad have certainly won the engagement in Aleppo. Russia secured a seaport. ISIS is still in Raqqa," he added. (end) nk.gb

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Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)

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