'The Security Council resolution is deficient and flawed; it allows everything and is reminiscent of a medieval call for a crusade,' Putin said.
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin today slammed the UN Security Council resolution sanctioning the use of military force in Libya, saying it was reminiscent of a "medieval call for a crusade".
"The Security Council resolution is deficient and flawed; it allows everything and is reminiscent of a medieval call for a crusade," Putin said.
"It effectively allows intervention in a sovereign state," he was quoted as saying by the Russian Ria Novosti news agency.
Russia, a veto wielding member of the powerful UN Security Council, had abstained along with China, Germany, India and Brazil as the Council passed the resolution, with ten members supporting military strikes to enforce a 'no fly' zone over Libya.
He flayed the US for building "a stable trend" for air strikes. Putin said said "this US policy is becoming a stable trend," recalling the US air strikes on Belgrade under Bill Clinton and Afghanistan and Iraq under the two Bush administrations.
"Now it's Libya's turn - under the pretext of protecting civilians," the Russian strongman said. "Where is the logic and conscience? There is neither."
He told workers on a visit to a missile factory that ongoing events in Libya confirm that Russia is right to strengthen her defense capabilities.
US-led coalition military strikes against Gaddafi began on Saturday after a month-long uprising by rebels in the North African country.
The western coalition today intensified air and sea strikes on Libyan defence targets flattening a command centre of Muammar Gaddafi close to his private residence in Tripoli.
The Arab League, which supported the UN Security Council move for the 'no fly' zone, has criticised the heavy bombardments by the western forces, saying several civilians had been killed or wounded.
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