US understands situation in Libya is close to stalemate - Margelov

WASHINGTON, April 30 (Itar-Tass) -- The U.S. understands that the
situation in Libya is approaching a stalemate and the problem cannot be
solved by military means, the chairman of the Federation Council's
committee on international affairs, Mikhail Margelov, said after a series
of meetings with White House, State Department, Pentagon, and National
Intelligence Council officials.
In particular, he met with two undersecretaries of state, William
Burns and Ellen Tauscher, assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern
affairs, Jeffrey Feltman, and principal adviser to the president for
Russia, Michael McFaul.
"Our American partners understand that the situation in Libya is
approaching a stalemate, if it is not already there, and that political
problems are not resolved by bombings," Margelov said to answer a question
from Itar-Tass. "The lack of charismatic leaders on the insurgents' side,
who might be popular across Libya, and not just in the city of Benghazi,
enormously complicates their position." But, as Margelov acknowledged, he
heard "no bright, creative solutions from the American partners."
According to Margelov, who is also a special envoy of the Russian
president for Africa, the biggest problem is bringing to the negotiating
table the people from the camp of Gaddafi and representatives of the
Libyan opposition.
"So far they have refused to contact with each other at all," he
continued. "Since both parties involved in conflict are not ready for a
dialogue, speaking about any political arrangements or effective mediation
is hardly possible."
The Americans find it difficult to say for how long the conflict in
Libya may last. Margelov recalled that the U.S. had its fifteen-member
mission in Benghazi, which has rather observer functions, in contrast, for
example, to the French, who are trying to deploy a full-scale embassy in
Benghazi. After the meetings with US officials Margelov had the impression
the U.S. was in no hurry to recognize the transitional national council
(TNC) as the only legitimate authority in Libya.
The United States, as Margelov said, is ready today to help the
opposition "to build some kind of government institutions," but
"Washington cannot imagine participation in ground military operations
even in a nightmare."
Regarding the situation in Syria, where government forces have clashed
with the opposition, Margelov is certain "the Americans have not set a
task of ousting President Assad."
"I am absolutely sure of this," he said. "And the U.S. does not
consider military options against Syria." Margelov said that "Assad has a
real chance to retain power."
Another thing is that the events in Syria are developing by the
worst-case scenario, he added.