Russia called Tuesday for an immediate cease-fire in Libya followed by political negotiations and the U.S. gave assurances that the international coalition will soon complete the active phase of transactions.
Statements were made by Russian and U.S. defense ministers, Anatoly Serdyukov and Robert Gates, during the meeting that they had on Tuesday in Moscow.
“Unfortunately, recent events show that the actual fighting beganin this country, after which civilian targets were hit, peaceful people were killed. This should not be permitted. We sent our position to fellow Americans,” said Anatoly Serdyukov quoted by the ITAR-TASS agency.
“Russia calls on all parties to the conflict to do their utmost to stop violence”, the Russian official said.
He reaffirmed that Russia “has aligned requests to end violence against peaceful population.”
“We start from the premise that the mandate arising from resolution 1973, UN Security Council only provides measures to protect civilians and prevent escalation of conflict”, Russian defense minister said, adding that Russia’s position on the situation in Libya was presented by President Dmitry Medvedev.
The Kremlin leader said Monday that the UN Security Council resolution on initiation of military operations in Libya reflects Russia’s position, “but not entirely”. Moscow has used the veto to block military intervention in Libya.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, said that the military operations against the regime of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, currently active, will be completed in a few days.