Are embattled Libyans ready to welcome another Gadhafi?
Russia is playing an increasing role in efforts to end the Libyan crisis and is talking with parties representing all sides, including Seif al-Islam Gadhafi, son of late dictator Moammar Gadhafi.
Moscow is showing renewed interest in Libya, perhaps piqued by the question of whether the country could end up with another Gadhafi in charge.
On Dec. 4, Mikhail Bogdanov, Russia’s deputy foreign minister, received in Moscow a Libyan delegation representing Seif al-Islam Gadhafi. The delegation was headed by Mohammed al-Ghoddi, a former minister of infrastructure under dictator Moammar Gadhafi.
Seif al-Islam was the late Gadhafi’s favorite son and heir apparent before his father was toppled in the summer of 2011 and killed Oct. 20 of that year.
Asked by Al-Monitor if Moscow promised any particular support for the son, Ghoddi said, “The Russians stand at the same distance from all [Libyan factions] and have received many delegations from Libya.” He was referring to Moscow welcoming on Nov. 7 Gen. Khalifa Hifter — commander of the so-called Libyan National Army, who represents the government in Tobruk — and the March 2, 2017, visit of the prime minister of the Government of National Accord in Tripoli, Fayez al-Sarraj.
