Russia against Libya ground incursion

Russian FM Sergey Lavrov

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/183177.html

Russian foreign minister has warned that NATO's military operation in Libya is moving towards an all-out ground invasion of the North African country.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday that the prospect of land operations is Libya as deplorable.

"We consider that what is going on is either consciously or unconsciously sliding towards a land operation. That would be very deplorable," he said.

Lavrov said Moscow is against such an eventuality. He also added that the events in Libya are taking an undesirable turn.

The comments come after NATO announced it had deployed British and French attack helicopters for the first time in Libya.

"We know that France and Britain intend to use military helicopters. We have given our view of NATO's actions,” Lavrov added.

NATO has expanded its military campaign in recent days to fight forces of embattled ruler Muammar Gaddafi.

On Wednesday, NATO extended its mission in Libya for a further 90 days.

The alliance took over a campaign of airstrikes, the enforcement of a no-fly zone and an arms embargo on Libya in late March.

The US and NATO have unleashed a punishing, UN-mandated offensive against Colonel Gaddafi to pressure him into giving up power.

Experts say the main motive behind the Western attack on Libya is the vast oil reserves of the North African country.

Libya has been the scene of fierce fighting between pro-Gaddafi troops and anti-regime forces since mid-February. Revolutionary forces want an end to Gaddafi's decades-long rule.