Libya’s temporary defense committee accused “other parties” of violating a ban on military operations in the country, JANA news agency reported citing the committee’s statement.
“Other parties are violating the ban on opening fire, which leads to the continuation of foreign attacks on Libyan territory and deaths of dozens of civilians,” the committee said.
A 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.
On Monday, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin criticized the UN Security Council resolution on Libya for allowing foreign military intervention in a sovereign state.
The use of military force against the civilian population in Libya is unacceptable, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday. Lavrov expressed his regrets over Gaddafi’s failure to comply with the UN Security Council’s resolution on sanctions against Libya.
On Monday, Western forces launched a second wave of air strikes on Gaddafi’s positions under a UN resolution authorizing military action to protect Libyan civilians.
Libyan television has reported that at least 50 civilians have been killed and over 150 wounded in the UN strikes and that many health and education facilities have been destroyed.
CAIRO, March 21 (RIA Novosti)