Russian ambassador calls for lifting sanctions from Libya

Russia has welcomed the progress achieved by diplomatic efforts to solve the Lockerbie problem between Libya, the United States and Britain, then in the same breath called for lifting the sanctions from Libya.

The Russian ambassador in Cairo, Vladimir Jodiev, said yesterday that Lockerbie is considered one of the issues that spoil the atmosphere of international relations.

He said there is an international agreement on the necessity of resolving this issue after Libya's response to the main requirements of the international community, formed in the United Nations Security Council's decisions.

He added that there is no justification for expanding the economic sanctions on Libya. The US had threatened before that it will seek greater sanctions against Libya if it does not agree to its solution to the Lockerbie crisis.