Russia urges western nations to stop the indiscriminate use of force in Libya, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.
"The reports say that during air raids on Libya strikes were also delivered on non-military facilities... As a result, 48 civilians are reported dead and over 150 wounded," the ministry said in a statement.
'In this connection, we are calling on the respective states to halt the indiscriminate use of force," the statement said.
The military operation against Libya's strongman Muammar Gaddafi who has ruled the country with an iron fist for more than 40 years began on Saturday, involving the United States, Britain, France, Italy, Canada and other countries.
A new UN Security Council resolution on Libya adopted on Thursday encompasses a no-fly zone and "all necessary measures" against forces loyal to Gaddafi.
Libyan television reported citing military officials that at least 50 civilians were killed and over 150 wounded in military attacks of the coalition forces, adding that many health and education facilities were ruined.
MOSCOW, March 20 (RIA Novosti)
