Putin says those involved in Libya conflict must 'pray for salvation'

23.03.2011 Russian premier Vladimir Putin said those who were accountable for strikes upon Libya should pray for salvation. He said that on Tuesday, March 22 at the press conference in Ljubljana after meeting with his Slovenian counterpart Borut Pahor, reports ITAR-TASS.

As for Putin, everyone should keep in mind victims of civil war and missile strikes in Libya, "especially those who are involved in this tragedy, they must think of that and pray for salvation".

The premier also said national leaders cannot have different views on foreign policy. "Speaking of unity or diversity in opinions about Libya among Russian leaders, the president is the one to run foreign policy in our country", said Putin.

"If the question is whether my and Mr. Medvedev's approaches are different, I assure you we do work together and understand each other", he added.

Commenting Libyan events on March 21, Vladimir Putin named America's common practice to interfere into internal policy of other states as an unshamed trend. He said UN resolution allowing the military operation was 'flawed' and compared it with 'a medieval call to crusade'.

Later that day, president Medvedev stated such comparisons 'lead to clash of civilizations'.

On March 18 Russia abstained from voting on UN resolution which declared Libyan airspace a no-fly zone.

In the night of March 20, western coalition launched the military operation in Libya which had been stricken by civil war. France delivered several air strikes upon armor of Gaddafi's troops while British and US navies launched over hundred Tomahawks against Libyan air defense assets. After that Tripoli declared a ceasefire, but rebels say Gaddafi continues combat actions.