World
        

Politics

Libyan opposition says no talks with Gadhafi

Updated: 2011-05-24 07:09

(Xinhua)

Twitter Facebook Myspace Yahoo! Linkedin Mixx

MOSCOW - Libyan opposition's envoy from the Interim Transitional National Council on Monday said here that they would not hold any talks with Libyan leader Muammar Gadhafi.

The envoy, who is also a former Libyan foreign minister, Abdul- Rahman Shalgam, made the remarks in a press conference after his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

"Who must cease fire? Gadhafi must," Shalgam said, adding that "We will have peace and no gunfire when Gadhafi steps down from power or leaves the country."

Related readings:
Libyan opposition says no talks with Gadhafi Gadhafi's wife and daughter in Tunisia
Libyan opposition says no talks with Gadhafi Gadhafi refuted reports on his injury
Libyan opposition says no talks with Gadhafi Libyan state TV shows Gadhafi in meeting
Libyan opposition says no talks with Gadhafi US urges Gadhafi to allow relief effort in Misrata

Meanwhile, Shalgam said that the dialogue between them and Moscow was "desirable."

"We want it very much to be in touch with Russia, because it is a very important country, a permanent member of the UN Security Council," he added.

Earlier on the day, Lavrov said the main aim of the meeting between Russia and the Libyan opposition is to gain a cease-fire in Libya.

With regard to NATO's possible ground military operation in Libya, Shalgam said that the opposition stood firmly against any ground operations.

However, he still supported NATO's operations in Libya, saying that western coalition has been operating to protect the Libyan people under the UN mandate but not on their own initiative.

NATO said its air campaign had rolled back the ability of government forces to attack the opposition fighters and their supporters, and had effectively forced Gadhafi himself into hiding.

However, the three-month conflict seems to have reached in a deadlock, as the opposition controls the east part of Libya and some of the west but cannot advance westward further to the capital of Tripoli.

E-paper

Thawing out

After a deep freeze in sales during the recession, China’s air conditioner makers are bouncing back

Cool Iron lady
Of good and evil
Build on security initiatives

European Edition

Specials

Memory lanes

Shanghai’s historic ALLEYS not just unique architecture but a way of life

Great expectations

Hong Kong-born singer songwriter rises to the top of the UK pops.

A diplomat of character

Belgian envoy draws on personal fascination to help build China ties.

Her story is history
Sino-US Dialogue
Drunk driving