AP – Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, left, speaks with Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan during a bilateral …
DEAUVILLE, France – Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has urged Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi to step down immediately but warned that Moscow will not offer him an asylum.
Medvedev said Friday at a news conference at the Group of Eight summit in Deauville, France, that Gadhafi will do a good thing for Libya if he leaves the job now.
Asked whether Russia could offer Gadhafi asylum he gave a firm negative answer. Medvedev added that a place for Gadhafi to stay and other details could be discussed after he steps down.
Medvedev said he is sending his envoy, Mikhail Margelov, a top Russian lawmaker, to immediately leave for Benghazi, Libya, to conduct talks with the nation's rebels. He said that talks with the Libyan government could take place later.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
DEAUVILLE, France (AP) - Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev says he's sending his special envoy to hold talks with Libyan rebels in Benghazi.
Medvedev said Friday at a news conference at the Group of Eight summit in Deauville, France, that his envoy, Mikhail Margelov, will immediately leave for Benghazi.
Medvedev said Russia will use its contacts the rebels to negotiate a peaceful end to the conflict. Margelov told reporters earlier Friday that it's necessary to negotiate with all "reasonable" representatives of the Libyan government, including Gadhafi's sons.