Medvedev Slams Putin's Libya 'Crusade' Remark

BBC reports:

Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev has said Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's description of the UN resolution on Libya is "unacceptable".

The rare rebuke came hours after Mr Putin criticised the resolution, which authorised military action to protect Libyan civilians.

Mr Putin said the resolution resembled "medieval calls for crusades".

Russia abstained from voting on the resolution, under which air strikes are being carried out on Libyan targets.

Mr Medvedev told Russian news agencies: "Under no circumstances is it acceptable to use expressions which essentially lead to a clash of civilisations. Such as 'crusade' and so on.

"It is unacceptable. Otherwise, everything may end up much worse compared to what's going on now. Everyone should remember that."

Mr Putin had said UN Security Council Resolution 1973, which was adopted on Thursday, was flawed as it "allows for everything".

The resolution authorises "all necessary measures" to protect civilians in Libya.

Mr Putin and Mr Medvedev's comments are the most public sign so far of a split in Russia's political leadership.

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