Russia warns against excessive foreign interference in Libya

UNITED NATIONS (Itar-Tass) - Russian warned against
excessive foreign military interference in Libya that may result in new
civilian casualties and undermine security in North Africa and the Middle
East.
"Responsibility for inevitable humanitarian consequences caused by
excessive use of outside force in the Libyan situation would be fully born
by those who resorted to such actions," Russian Ambassador to the United
Nations Vitaly Churkin said on Thursday commenting the Security Council
resolution that authorized a no-fly zone over Libya and "all necessary
measures" to protect civilians against attacks by the armed forces loyal
to Muammar Gaddafi.
"If that (excessive interference) happens both the civilian population
and security and peace interests in the whole region of North Africa and
the Middle East would suffer. It is necessary to avoid such destabilizing
developments," the ambassador said.
Churkin said some provisions of the resolution may result in a
large-scale use of force. "They potentially open the door for a
large-scale military intervention. During the discussion assurances were
voiced about the absence of such intentions. We take them into account,"
the ambassador said.
Russia and four other council members abstained during the vote.
Churkin said Russia received no explanations how the no-fly zone would
be enforced and "what will be the rules and limits of the use of force."
He said Russia did not veto the resolution as it was "guided by the
necessity to protect civilians and by general humanitarian values", but
remained convinced that "an immediate ceasefire is the shortest way to
reliable security of the peaceful population and long-term stabilization
in Libya."