NATOSource

March 19, 2011

China and Russia express regret over coalition attacks in Libya

By the AP

China and Russia express regret over coalition attacks in Libya

An explosion caused by the crash of a Libyan jet near Benghazi, March 19, 2011.

From the AP:  China on Sunday expressed "regret" over punishing airstrikes by the U.S. and European nations against Libya to enforce a U.N. no-fly zone.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said China "consistently disagrees with the use of force in international relations" and expressed "regret" over the Saturday attacks.

In a statement posted on the ministry’s website, Jiang said China "hopes the situation in Libya resumes stability as soon as possible" in order to avoid escalation of a military conflict.

From the Canadian Press: Russia’s government says it regrets the start of an international military operation against Moammar Gadhafi’s forces.

The Russian Foreign Ministry says in a statement that "Moscow notes with regret this armed action, taken in conjunction with the hastily approved U.N. Security Council resolution" allowing a no-fly zone over Libya.  (photo: AP)

Image: ap%203%2020%2011%20Libya%20explosion.jpg