Germany: Russia and China waiting on Libya sanctions – UN special envoy

Russia and China are not opposing sanctions against Libyan individuals as has been reported, UN special envoy Bernardino Leon stated at the Foreign Ministry in Berlin on Wednesday. Rather, Leon said, the two countries "are just asking for more time," as they see the sanctions as pointless if an agreement on a unity government can be reached. The UN special envoy met with the German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin to discuss the situation in Libya. The United States, Britain, France and Spain wanted to impose sanctions against two Libyans, whom they consider to be a hindrance to peace talks. China and Russia spoke out against the sanctions, stating that such a decision would be made in haste. Through these peace talks the UN is hoping warring factions will reach an agreement on a national unity government and restore stability in Libya.