Obama, Medvedev discuss Libya

WASHINGTON (Itar-Tass) - U.S President Barack Obama and his
Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev discussed the situation around Libya
over the phone on Thursday.
Obama appreciated Russia's support to the UN Security Council
resolution enforcing a no-fly zone over Libya, while Medvedev urged to
prevent civilian casualties in the operation.
"President Obama expressed his appreciation for Russia's support for
the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 and
subsequent positive statements that President Medvedev has made regarding
the resolution's mandate," the White House said.
The Kremlin press service said Medvedev "especially noted the
necessity of preventing victims among the civilian population."
The White House also said the two leaders discussed Russia's accession
to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and U.S plans to deploy a missile
shield in Europe which Russia objects.
"President Obama affirmed his support for Russia's accession into the
WTO this year and also affirmed his commitment to work with the U.S.
Congress to terminate the application of Jackson-Vanik to Russia and
establish Permanent Normalized Trade Relations with Russia. The two
presidents also discussed recent progress made in developing deeper
cooperation on missile defense. President Obama affirmed why the United
States believes that cooperation with Russia on missile defense could
enhance the security of the United States, Russia, our allies, and our
partners," it said adding the two presidents agreed to meet on the
sidelines of the G-8 summit in Deauville, France at the end of May.