Fathi Bashagha denies penning The Times piece critical of Russia

Fathi Bashagha, one of Libya’s Prime Ministers, has denied being the author of an article in British media The Times in which he offers to the United Kingdom (UK) his partnership to curb Russia’s influence in the oil-rich African country.

In the article titled ‘Libya wants to stand with Britain against Russian aggression’ Bashagha was giving the byline, poured out a scathing criticism for one of the long-standing international supporters of Bashagha’s foe-turned-ally Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, the commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA).

He also allegedly indicated that his government ready to work with Britain if the latter needs a partner in Africa to resist Russia. The former Interior Minister however Wednesday, a day after the article was published, in a tweet rejected the authorship.

“I was surprised by an article attributed to me published in the English newspaper The Times,” Bashagha said. “I hope this grand and respected newspaper inspects accuracy to avoid being involved in publishing false articles.”