Kremlin envoy arrives in Benghazi

Russia’s special envoy to Africa arrived in Benghazi, the Libyan rebels' stronghold, today as Russia pushes forward with attempts to mediate the conflict.

Mikhail Margelov, chairman of the Federation Council’s (upper house of parliament’s) foreign affairs committee and longtime Africa and Aarb hand, told RIA-Novosti the meeting would last around two hours. He said he was due to meet the ead of the rebels’ Transitional National Council, Mustafa Abdul Jalil, as well as military affairs chief Omar al-Hariri and foreign policy chief Mahmoud Jibril.

“We have come to Benghazi to facilitate dialogue between the two camps," Margelov told reporters at Benghazi airport, AFP reported. “Russia is in a unique position because it already has an ambassador in Tripoli and now we are meeting with the rebel leadership today.”