The Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Wednesday that Khalifa Haftar "is ready to sign a ceasefire agreement in Libya, accusing the Government of National Accord (GNA) of "lacking desire to sign it too".

Lavrov's remarks came in a virtual meeting he held with his counterparts from Egypt, Congo and South Africa, according to Russian news agency TASS.

"When we called on the main leaders in Libya, Haftar and Al-Sarraj as well; as Aqila Saleh in last January, Haftar's forces weren't ready to sign ceasefire agreement as they thought they were the strongest party on the ground, while Al-Sarraj thought it was acceptable to sign." Lavrov said.

He added that Russia assesses that Haftar's forces are now ready to sign the ceasefire agreement, yet now Tripoli government is not ready for the ceasefire and is relying on the military solution.

Meanwhile, Lavrov said the appointment of a permanent special envoy would contribute to easing tensions, but argued that the US hinders it, vetoing candidates suggested by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

He also stressed that the new UN special envoy for Libya must be a representative of the African Union, adding that one year has passed and the UN Secretary General couldn't appoint an envoy despite many candidates being named, yet Washington always got in the way.

"I think the Americans are trying to sideline Guterres." He added.