Opposition forces are very close to take over the reins of power in Libya, but the conflict could have been resolved much earlier by diplomatic means, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday.

      "We have always wanted a quicker outcome, and it could have been faster, but a number of factors prevented this from happening, including Gaddafi’s position", Lavrov said on Monday during his press conference in San Salvador, "The quicker resolution could have, most certainly, saved a lot of lives".

      He said NATO interference in Libya far beyond the UN mandate also hampered and delayed the resolution of the internal conflict in the country. He also said Russia said would not recognize the National Transitional Council as the sole legitimate representative, but only as a party to the talks. Lavrov called on Libya's National Transitional Council and opposition forces to secure the protection of all foreign nationals. "One of their priorities should be the safety of foreign citizens, including the Russian people, who remain in Libya."

      Russia is ready to actively promote a political process in Libya, just as in other countries,” he said, “Libya should start the political dialogue immediately after the fighting is over to ensure the building of a democratic foundation of the future Libyan state. The Russian and Libyan peoples have traditions of friendship, years-long interaction, and we shall continue to act in this vein in the future as well. " 

Sources: RIA Novosti Russia Today

See also: Russia International