Expressions like "crusades" unacceptable with respect to situation in Libya - Medvedev
GORKI. March 21 (Interfax) - President Dmitry Medvedev believes that one should be very accurate in one's statements about the situation in Libya.
"The use of expressions like 'crusades' and so on, which may actually lead to a clash of civilizations is unacceptable, is unacceptable. Otherwise, the end might be far worse than what is happening now," Medvedev told reporters in Gorki on Monday.
He said he did not consider UN Security Council resolution 1973 to be a wrong one.
"I think that this resolution on the whole reflects our understanding of the situation in Libya, but not to the full extent, which is why we did not use our right of veto, but as you understand, this was a qualified refusal from vetoing, proceeding from the consequences that were quite clear. It would be wrong to say that we 'had no idea what to do'", the president said.
Those were his instructions to the Foreign Ministry, Medvedev said.
He confirmed that Russia would not participate in the operation to enforce a no-fly zone over Libya or in any ground operations, adding that the latter could not be entirely ruled out.
Russia has not severed diplomatic relations with Libya and is ready to be a mediator, Medvedev said, but he added that it was unclear "with whom to talk there".
"Gaddafi has said he holds no official posts. Judging from his actions, he is not is not the one to shake hands with and no one in the West will talk with him. We did not sever diplomatic relations and are ready to mediate," the president said.
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