Russia warns over NATO intervention in Libya
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 5 June 2011 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russia warns over NATO intervention in Libya, 5 June 2011, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4e142b0e19.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
June 05, 2011
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov has warned that NATO's Libya campaign is "one step" away from sending in ground troops to assist antigovernment forces battling Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi.
Ivanov, speaking at an Asian forum on June 5, criticized the expansion of military intervention in Libya, saying that while Moscow initially supported the move "of course we didn't mean that [ground intervention] when supporting the resolution."
NATO on June 3 deployed attack helicopters in the country.
Witnesses told reporters today that NATO warplanes have been launching air raids on Tripoli and its eastern suburbs.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov earlier cautioned that Moscow will not support any moves by the international community that would lead to "a further escalation of a civil war by any means, including outside intervention."
Prime Minister Vladmir Putin has also been critical of the Western-led campaign, saying it "resembles medieval calls for crusades."
Russia abstained from voting on the March UN resolution authorizing force to protect civilians in Libya.
compiled from agency reports
Link to original story on RFE/RL website