Russian Navy


US poke about Russia's posture on Libya issue, says vice premier Ivanov


04/07/2011 
Text: RIA Novosti
Photo: Sergei Ivanov. glomu.ru
The US display interest in Russia's posture on Libyan events, but involvement of Russia in the conflict is off the question, said Russian vice premier Sergei Ivanov summarizing his meetings with representatives of the US Administration and congressmen in Washington.

"Personally, I did not bring up this question [events in the Middle East and North Africa]. Americans did but slightly. They were interested in our views on different scenarios of developments. Also, they expressed concerns over Libyan opposition, how far it is infiltrated by Al Qaeda, and what ouster alternatives Gaddafi has. There are plenty of scenarios and questions, much more that we want", said Ivanov to Russian journalists.

Answering the question of RIA Novosti whether the US see any variants for Russia's participation in Libyan conflict or post-conflict settlement, the vice premier said: "Even if they do, it is much related to post-conflict developments, since nobody can forecast how current stale situation would be resolved. However, US officials had no claims about Russia's stance to the UN Security Council's resolution".

Speaking on what alternatives Libya has at the moment, Ivanov said most pessimistic prediction was "somalization", i.e. the country's disintegration into several small states headed by weak governments and stifled by crime wave including sea piracy.

"The most terrible scenario – and I wish it never happens – is "somalization". There was a precedent in history, when US president thanked Russian emperor Alexander the Second for winning back American merchant vessel from Berber pirates", Ivanov said.

Protest actions started in Libya in mid-Feb; rioters demanded an ouster of national leader Muammar Gaddafi who has been governing the country for over 40 years. Later on, the demonstrations had grown into armed conflict between governmental force and rebels which resulted in thousands of victims.

On March 17, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution imposing a no-fly zone over Libya and allowing foreign military intervention into Libya. The operation started on March 19 and was attended by Great Britain, France, the US, Canada, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Denmark, and Norway.

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