Russia stakes claim for lead Libya role at G8 summit
DEAUVILLE, France — Revolt in the Arab world and efforts to seek a way out of the Libyan conflict return to centre stage Friday as leaders of the most powerful nations…
DEAUVILLE, France — Revolt in the Arab world and efforts to seek a way out of the Libyan conflict return to centre stage Friday as leaders of the most powerful nations wrap up a G8 summit in northern France.Russia said it was prepared to take on a leading role in mediating an end to the three-month-old conflict in Libya after being asked by both Tripoli and Moscow's Western G8 partners to pursue contacts to resolve the conflict.Western officials said Moscow had not been formally requested to mediate, but a White House spokesman said US President Barack Obama had discussed maintaining contacts with Tripoli with his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev.According to a draft version of their planned declaration, seen by AFP, the presidents and prime ministers were to call for an end to violent repression in Libya and Syria and for immediate Israel-Palestinian peace talks. Thousands of police backed by boats and helicopters have been deployed in the chic resort of Deauville to prevent anti-globalisation demonstrators infiltrating the area.President Nicolas Sarkozy hosts an enlarged G8 session Friday with Egypt and Tunisia as well as the UN, Arab League and IMF being asked to help fund a transition to democracy in the vanguard Arab Spring states.The leaders are expected to promise new aid for the new governments in Tunis and Cairo to encourage democratic reform following the revolts that overthrew strongmen Zine el Abidine Ben Ali and Hosni Mubarak.Britain's Cameron pledged £110 million ($175 million) to foster democracy in the region -- and Sarkozy is expected to push his partners for more.Africa has its annual day in the G8 spotlight on Friday when the leaders host the newly elected presidents of the Ivory Coast, Niger and Guinea for late morning session devoted to encouraging democracy."Requests have been voiced that Russia take upon itself the role of a mediator in settling the situation in Libya," President Dmitry Medvedev's spokeswoman Natalia Timakova told reporters in Deauville late Thursday. Timakova s
last modification 2011-05-27 06:30:41
Add comment