Russian parliament stands for cease-fire in Libya and negotiations with Russia involved

23.03.2011 Russia's State Duma [lower chamber of parliament] accedes to UN Security Council demanding immediate establishment of ceasefire in Libya and complete end to violence and all attacks against civilians, ?nd calls leadership of Libya and coalition countries to follow strictly the resolution adopted by UN Security Council.

According to lawmakers, Russia should mediate in talks on termination of violence in Libya. They stated this in the Act of Libya and adopted it on Wednesday.

As a result of voting, 350 MPs supported this document, 32 – opposed. Nobody abstained.

An uprise takes place in Libya since mid-Feb. Rebels demand to ouster national leader Muammar Gaddafi who has been governing the country for over 40 years. International organizations report about thousands victims suffered in skirmishes between rioters and regular troops. On March 17 the UN Security Council adopted the resolution authorizing a military operation against Gaddafi.

Presently, the operation started on March 19 and code-named Odyssey Dawn comprises Great Britain, France, the US, Canada, Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Denmark. About 160 missiles have been launched against Libya since the operation began.

Also, the State Duma expresses concern over size and shape of military force used against Libya. Russian lawmakers call to parliaments of France, Great Britain, the US, Italy, Canada and other coalition states to contribute to immediate cease-fire, because combat actions cause new victims amid civilians and damage Libya's peaceful infrastructure.

Russian MPs say about lack of selectiveness while striking upon Libya which could postpone perspectives of stabilization in the country.

As for the State Duma, combat actions against this North African state could force some countries to accelerate development of nuclear arms programs. Lawmakers said the Resolution 1973 'do not specify the force use limitations'. Implementation of the UN resolution revealed plans of some countries to use it as an excuse while pursuing other objectives, say members of Russian parliament.

Lawmakers request president Medvedev to task Russian foreign ministry with exerting every effort in UN Security Council to make the resolution enforcement conform to humanitarian objectives, UN Charter, and generally recognized principles and rules of international law.