Russia for strict observance of UNSC resolution on Libya

Medvedev reiterated Moscow’s stand on Libyan issue and pressed for a diplomatic solution.

Russia’s insists that Libya and the Libyan people only have the right to choose their own way,but the international community should assist to the peaceful conflict resolution.

Ban is on a three-day Russia visit,during which he also had parleys with Lavrov and discussed cooperation with Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) in combating international terrorism and illegal drug trafficking.

On the eve of Ban-Medvedev meeting the Kremlin indicated that Russia had a number of serious questions to ask over attempts by certain countries to act beyond the bounds of international mandates and arbitrary interpretation of UN resolutions,in particular Resolution 1973 on Libya.

Russia abstained from the vote authorising military operation in Libya and expressed concern over the excessive use of force.

On March 17,the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1973,imposing a no- fly zone on Libya and opening means for foreign intervention in the civil conflict.

Two days later Britain,France,the US,Canada and Belgium launched a military operation there. On March 31 the Libya command was transferred to NATO.

Briefing reporters after today’s meeting Lavrov said Ban and Medvedev agreed that it was necessary to formulate UN mandates ‘more clearly’ in light of the recent events in Libya and Ivory Coast.

According to Lavrov a lot of attention was given to nuclear safety in the light of the accident at the Fukushima-1 power station in Japan.

“The president and Mr. Ban Ki-moon were unanimous saying that,apart from overcoming the consequences of the catastrophe,it is necessary to work out new,higher,safety standards with the help of the IAEA,as well as universal rules for reacting to such incidents if they happen somewhere else,” Lavrov said.

During his meeting,Ban also asked the Russian president to support his candidature for the second term as UN chief. “I would like to rely on your support and leading positions in the promotion of my further activities as the UN secretary-general,” Ban was quoted as saying by Russia Today TV channel.