Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday called on both sides in Libya's civil war to halt combat operations immediately, as the Kremlin continued a push to become a peacebroker in the conflict, DPA reported.
Lavrov made the statement in Moscow after weekend meetings with former Libyan foreign minister Abdul-Rahman Shalgam, who arrived in the Russian capital Friday as an envoy of the rebel's Interim Transitional National Council.
The Russian foreign minister praised his Shalgam, saying he "is an extremely experienced professional whom we have known for quite a while."
"We are trying to bring about an immediate end to the bloodshed, an immediate end to combat operations. That was the main goal of our meetings," Lavrov said at a news conference reported by the Interfax news agency.
"We are absolutely convinced that a ceasefire, discussions and agreements are things that are inevitable," he said. "The sooner this happens, the better."
NATO bombers since March have attacked Gaddafi-controlled military units, supply bases and command and control centres in thousands of air raids. The actions are based on a UN resolution allowing use of force to protect Libya's civilian population.
Russia, a longtime supporter of the Gaddafi regime, has called the intervention unjustified and has maneuvered since April to become a mediator in the war.
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