France Says Russia Can Share Libya Views at U.N.

The French foreign ministry said on Tuesday that Russia could bring up its views in favour of a ceasefire in Libya at a U.N. Security Council meeting on Thursday.

Russia was among those who abstained from the Security Council vote authorising military action in Libya and Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov said on Tuesday an immediate ceasefire would be the best way to protect civilians.

Asked about that position, foreign ministry spokeswoman Christine Fages said it was a matter the Security Council could discuss at a meeting later this week.

"All that can be discussed at the Security Council on Thursday," she told reporters.

"That is exactly why we have such meetings: to evaluate the situation and decide what to do. I suppose that the Russian foreign minister or his representative will raise this point."

Forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi attacked a town near Tripoli on Tuesday after a third night of air raids on the capital, but the U.N.-mandated Western campaign faced questions over the future of its command structure.