Russia says it's time for Gadhafi to step down
Source: Agencies |
May 28, 2011, Saturday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
RUSSIA has offered to mediate the exit of Libya's longtime leader, cranking up pressure on Moammar Gadhafi as France and Britain seek to intensify their bombing campaign.
"He should leave," Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said yesterday.
Medvedev, speaking at a news conference at the G8 summit in Deauville, France, said he is sending envoy Mikhail Margelov to the rebel stronghold of Benghazi, Libya, immediately to start negotiating. Medvedev said talks with the Libyan government could take place later.
Medvedev said Russia will use its contacts with both Gadhafi's government and the rebels to try to negotiate a peaceful end to the conflict.
Russian officials have been critical of Gadhafi but also complain about an excessive use of force by NATO and have urged a quick end to hostilities.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently held talks in Moscow with representatives of both Gadhafi's government and the rebels.
Asked whether Russia could offer Gadhafi asylum, Medvedev gave a firm negative answer. He added that a place for Gadhafi to stay and other details could be discussed after he steps down.
Margelov told reporters earlier that it was necessary to negotiate with all "reasonable" representatives of the Libyan government, including Gadhafi's sons.
A Libyan rebel spokesman, Abdel-Hafidh Ghoga, said Russia's moves to persuade Gadhafi to leave power were too little, too late.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy, hosting the G8 summit, said yesterday there is "great unanimity" about an "intensification of the military intervention" to protect civilians from Gadhafi's forces. He did not say how, but France and Britain said this week they are ready to deploy attack helicopters.
Meanwhile, rebel fighters clashed with government forces at rebel-held Misrata.
While rebel fighters have pushed Gadhafi's troops to the city's outskirts, the city, Libya's third largest, has been under siege for months.
"He should leave," Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said yesterday.
Medvedev, speaking at a news conference at the G8 summit in Deauville, France, said he is sending envoy Mikhail Margelov to the rebel stronghold of Benghazi, Libya, immediately to start negotiating. Medvedev said talks with the Libyan government could take place later.
Medvedev said Russia will use its contacts with both Gadhafi's government and the rebels to try to negotiate a peaceful end to the conflict.
Russian officials have been critical of Gadhafi but also complain about an excessive use of force by NATO and have urged a quick end to hostilities.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently held talks in Moscow with representatives of both Gadhafi's government and the rebels.
Asked whether Russia could offer Gadhafi asylum, Medvedev gave a firm negative answer. He added that a place for Gadhafi to stay and other details could be discussed after he steps down.
Margelov told reporters earlier that it was necessary to negotiate with all "reasonable" representatives of the Libyan government, including Gadhafi's sons.
A Libyan rebel spokesman, Abdel-Hafidh Ghoga, said Russia's moves to persuade Gadhafi to leave power were too little, too late.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy, hosting the G8 summit, said yesterday there is "great unanimity" about an "intensification of the military intervention" to protect civilians from Gadhafi's forces. He did not say how, but France and Britain said this week they are ready to deploy attack helicopters.
Meanwhile, rebel fighters clashed with government forces at rebel-held Misrata.
While rebel fighters have pushed Gadhafi's troops to the city's outskirts, the city, Libya's third largest, has been under siege for months.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
