Russia Hopes Libya Will Avoid New 'Bloodshed', Says Kremlin

Russia expressed hope Friday that the crisis in Libya would not lead to "renewed bloodshed", adding that Moscow did not support Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar.  

"We believe that the main thing is for any actions not to lead to renewed bloodshed," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. 

Peskov added it was "necessary to continue all possible efforts to fully resolve the situation with peaceful political means."

"We are monitoring the situation in Libya very carefully," he added.

Asked if Russia considered supporting Libya militarily, Peskov said: "No, Moscow is not taking part in this in any way."

Libya has been mired in chaos since the ouster and killing of dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011, with two rival authorities and a multitude of militias vying for control of the oil-rich country.

Strongman Haftar, backed by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, controls some parts of the country, while the capital is the seat of an internationally-recognised unity government.

This week forces loyal to Haftar advanced toward the capital Tripoli, seeking to seize control following a sweep over key oil-rich areas of the country's south.

Moscow has repeatedly denounced the overthrow of Kadhafi, insisting that the NATO-backed regime change only led to new crises.