Russia calls for end to 'indiscriminate use of force' in Libya

Russia calls for end to 'indiscriminate use of force' in Libya

2011-03-20 22:20:22 GMT+7 (ICT)

MOSCOW (BNO NEWS) -- Russia on Sunday called on western nations taking part in military operations against Libya to stop the 'indiscriminate use of force', saying the attacks have killed civilians.

"According to incoming reports, during air raids on Libya, non-military targets have been hit. As a result, 48 civilians are reported dead and over 150 injured," Russian Foreign Affairs spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said.

He said strikes destroyed a medical facility, and damaged roads and bridges. Coalition officials, however, denied reports of civilian targets being hit.

"In this regard, we urge the respective states to stop the indiscriminate use of force," Lukashevich added.

The United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, which according to Lukashevich was "hastily adopted," was approved on Thursday evening and called for the establishment of a no-fly zone in Libya and for military forces to take "all necessary measures" to protect Libyan civilians from government-led attacks. Lukashevich said the air strikes exceed the mandate of the resolution.

Moscow on Saturday said it "regrets" the international military action in Libya after the military operation began. French warplanes struck four tanks used by forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi on the outskirts of Benghazi, the unofficial capital of Libyan rebels. Soon after, the U.S. Navy fired Tomahawk cruise missiles at Libyan air defenses.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-03-20