The Libyan authorities have pledged to provide assistance in evacuating Russian citizens from the riot-hit country and provide security for the stay of Russian diplomats in Libya's capital, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported on Sunday.
On Saturday, at the request of the Libyan side, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a telephone conversation with Musa Kousa, secretary of Libya's General People's Committee for Foreign Liaison and International Cooperation, the ministry said.
"Kousa gave assurances that the Libyan authorities would continue rendering all necessary assistance to completing the evacuation of Russian citizens from Libya and provide security for Russian diplomats in Tripoli," the ministry said in a statement.
Violent nationwide protests demanding the end of the 42-year rule of Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi are currently raging across Libya. National authorities clamped down on the protests. According to international organizations, between 600 and 1,000 people were killed and another 4,000 wounded in the clashes. Libyan authorities have pledged to continue to suppress the opposition.
"Lavrov stressed the inadmissibility of the use of armed force by the Libyan authorities against civilians. Russia, like the whole of the international community, resolutely denounces such actions," the statement said.
"Russia said that Libya should respect human rights, comply with international humanitarian law and ensure the security of civilians and foreign citizens," the statement said.
MOSCOW, February 27 (RIA Novosti)
