Russia, India regret Libya strikes

MOSCOW: Russia and India have expressed "regret" over the international military strike against Libya and called for a ceasefire in the countries of North Africa in the middle of solving the issue peacefully .
"Moscow regrets that armed action, in conjunction with the resolution adopted in haste Security Council 1973," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement posted on its website Sunday.
The government has called for an immediate end to the bloodshed in Libya to allow dialogue.
Thursday Russia abstained from voting on the UN resolution authorizing use of force and the creation of a no-fly zone in Libya, the scene of clashes between government forces and rebels.
Also seriously concerned by the continuing violence, conflict and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Libya, India regretted Sunday's airstrikes led coalition and called on all parties to renounce the use of force and settle their disputes by peaceful means.
"India looks with deep concern the continuing violence, conflict and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Libya. He regrets that air strikes are taking place. The measures should help alleviate and not aggravate an already difficult situation for the locals, "Department of External Affairs said.
"Talked to the ambassador (M) Manimekalai in Tripoli some time ago. It is cool and calm. Harrowing Tho Saturday night with jets screaming over, she said (the ambassador), "Foreign Minister Nirupama Rao tweeted.
India hopes that air strikes would not hurt innocent civilians, foreign nationals and diplomatic missions and their personnel who are still in Libya.
"India calls on all parties to renounce the use or threat of use of force and settle their disputes by peaceful means and dialogue in which the UN and regional organizations should play their role," Ministry said in a statement.