By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Russia, which had earlier abstained from voting on a UN resolution on Libya, Friday backed the Security Council resolution which authorised the international military action in the north African country.
President Dmitry Medvedev Friday gave his backing to the resolution.
The UN resolution authorised a no-fly zone over Libya and the use of “all necessary measures” to protect civilians.
In a statement posted on the Kremlin’s website Friday, Medvedev banned all Libyan flights in Russian air space with the exception of humanitarian flights and authorised searches of ships for weapons or military personnel.
It also banned all financial operations involving the assets of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and members of his family and his aides.
Thousands of people have been killed since the uprising against Gaddafi’s rule began in February.