Russia’s Lavrov Talks to Syrian Counterpart, Says Israeli Strikes on Syria Unacceptable

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov waits before a meeting of Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan October 12, 2023. (Sputnik/Pavel Bednyakov/Kremlin via Reuters)
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov waits before a meeting of Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan October 12, 2023. (Sputnik/Pavel Bednyakov/Kremlin via Reuters)
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Russia’s Lavrov Talks to Syrian Counterpart, Says Israeli Strikes on Syria Unacceptable

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov waits before a meeting of Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan October 12, 2023. (Sputnik/Pavel Bednyakov/Kremlin via Reuters)
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov waits before a meeting of Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan October 12, 2023. (Sputnik/Pavel Bednyakov/Kremlin via Reuters)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday discussed the Israel-Palestinian conflict in a call with his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad, his ministry said.

Lavrov noted "the unacceptability of Israeli air strikes on Syrian territory, which have become more frequent amid the events around the Gaza Strip" and "the danger of attempts by external forces to turn the Middle East into an arena for settling geopolitical scores".

Israel's military says its jets have struck Syrian army infrastructure and mortar launchers in what it calls a response to rocket launches from Syria toward Israel.



Libya: Commitments Made on Gaddafi Overthrow Anniversary to Avoid One-man Rule

Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, head of the interim Government of National Unity, attending the thirteenth anniversary of “Liberation Day"
Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, head of the interim Government of National Unity, attending the thirteenth anniversary of “Liberation Day"
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Libya: Commitments Made on Gaddafi Overthrow Anniversary to Avoid One-man Rule

Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, head of the interim Government of National Unity, attending the thirteenth anniversary of “Liberation Day"
Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, head of the interim Government of National Unity, attending the thirteenth anniversary of “Liberation Day"

During the celebrations for the anniversary of Muammar Gaddafi’s overthrow, Libyan factions criticized the era of “one-man rule” and vowed not to return to it “now that Libya is free.”

On the thirteenth anniversary of “Liberation Day,” these groups committed to working toward the country’s stability without looking back.

However, some observers argue that, despite Gaddafi’s removal, Libya continues to face “individual control by politicians in their regions.”

At a celebration in Misrata organized by the “National Support Forces,” Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, head of the interim Government of National Unity, highlighted the sacrifices of the martyrs and stressed the importance of following their path toward development and restoring citizens’ rights.

He announced that his government is taking strong steps to eliminate obstacles to stability, aiming for improvements in citizens' daily lives.

Dbeibah spoke firmly, indirectly addressing the House of Representatives, stating he would not allow those who lost their legitimacy ten years ago to impose their conditions on the Libyan people.

He insisted that the next phase requires determination to confront anyone trying to disrupt the journey toward freedom and stability, promising to take decisive action to move toward elections.

Dbeibah reaffirmed his “full commitment to preventing the return of military or individual rule,” stressing the importance of enabling all Libyans to express their rights in elections and national decisions.

At a celebration attended by notable figures from various regions, he declared that the sacrifices made for freedom would not be in vain and emphasized the need for decisive action against those undermining stability and freedom.

Both Dbeibah’s government and its eastern rival, led by Osama Hamad, declared Wednesday a public holiday to mark the thirteenth anniversary of Libya's liberation from Gaddafi's regime on Oct. 23, 2011.

The House of Representatives highlighted the achievements of the Libyan people in 2011, celebrating their liberation from individual rule and the move toward a fully democratic state.

They stated that the ideal state allows citizens to choose their leaders through free and fair elections.

They also noted that the Feb.17 revolution sparked the declaration of full liberation on Oct. 23 in a grand celebration in Benghazi.

Thirteen years after this declaration, Libya is at a critical juncture that requires unity, reconciliation, and a focus on national cohesion to fulfill the revolution’s goals.