Russian envoy arrives in Benghazi for talks with Libyan rebels

Mikhail Margelov, Russia’s special envoy to Africa, arrived in rebel-held Benghazi on Tuesday to discuss a roadmap for the future with Libya’s opposition Transitional National Council (TNC).

“We are now on our way to the meeting which will last for about two hours,” a member of Margelov’s delegation told RIA Novosti by phone.

Margelov, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Russian Parliament’s Upper Chamber, will hold talks with TNC head Mustafa Abdul Jalil, military affairs chief Omar al-Hariri and foreign policy chief Mahmoud Jibril.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev announced Margelov’s visit during the G8 summit in Deauville in France last month.

Last week, NATO extended its mission in Libya by 90 days. The coalition intervened in the North African country in March under a UN mandate to protect civilians against forces loyal to Col. Muammar Gaddafi.

MOSCOW, June 7 (RIA Novosti)

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