Russia on Monday lashed the West for recognising the National Transitional Council as Libya's official authority but said it would still view the rebels as a formal negotiating partner.
The foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, said last week's recognition by Western and regional powers of the opposition government at the expense of Muammar Gaddafi's regime was tantamount to picking sides in a civil war.
'We do not share this position for one simple
reason — this again means that those who declare this recognition stand wholly on the side of one political power in a civil war,' Lavrov said.
'This again means that those who support this decision support a policy of isolation — in this case, isolation of the forces represented in Tripoli,' Russia's top diplomat said.
'We traditionally reject isolation as a method for resolving political problems in any conflict.'
Lavrov also dismissed Western media speculation that Russia is now ready to offer political asylum to Gaddafi and his closest
family.
But rebels were angered by Russia's refusal to recognise them. 'It just doesn't make sense,' said NTC spokesman Abdulmolah, responding to the statement. 'It is black and white. They should recognise the council as other major powers.'
Meanwhile, Libya's rebels claimed control of Brega on Monday, as most pro-Gaddafi troops retreated westward leaving around 150-200 loyalist fighters pinned down inside the oil town, a spokesman said.
'The bulk of Muammar Gaddafi's forces have retreated to Ras Lanuf,' rebel spokesman Shamsiddin Abdulmolah said, referring to another oil hub about 50 kilometres to the west.
Abdulmolah added that the remnants of Gaddafi's troops were holed up among industrial facilities in Brega with supplies dwindling.
'Their food and water supplies are cut and they now will not be able to sleep,' said Abdulmolah as the latest battle for Brega entered its fifth day.
'It's a matter of time before they come to their senses, we hope to prevent some bloodshed.'
Taking the town would be a major victory for the rebels, boosting morale and recapturing infrastructure that is vital to Libya's economic future.
Brega is a major centre for channelling the pipelines of the oil-rich Sirte Basin to the rest of the world.
Fighters on the ground reported no signs so far that those oil installations have been set on fire or sabotaged, but Abdulmolah said the area has been heavily mined.
Libya's warring armies have been fighting over Brega since Thursday when rebel forces launched a three-pronged attack on the town, which has switched hands multiple times, but which had been under Gaddafi control since April.
Rebel troops approached from the northeast, east and southeast, surrounding Gaddafi's forces and reaching the outskirts of the city's eastern-most tip on Friday before pulling back to allow for NATO bombardments.
Since then it has been a steady advance.
Nestled on the Gulf of Sirte, Brega is made up of three areas, a residential area in the east, a major oil facility in the west and an old town in between.
But after a series of military gains were washed away by hasty and badly coordinated advances, rebel commanders were anxious to make sure they have a unified offensive line before their final push.
But the complete occupation of Brega may still have to wait.
Source : New Age
