Libya: Obama defends war, insists US role is limited

LONDON. March 29. KAZINFORM US President Barack Obama has defended the first war launched under his presidency, insisting US military involvement in Libya will be limited.

He told Americans US intervention as part of the coalition had saved "countless lives" threatened by the forces of the "tyrant" Muammar Gaddafi.

But having led the initial campaign, the US would hand over to Nato allies on Wednesday, he said.

Meanwhile, the rebel advance inside Libya has been slowed down near Sirte.

While Nato insists it is impartial in the conflict, Russia has renewed its expressions of concern, saying intervention in an internal civil war is not sanctioned by UN Security Council Resolution 1973.

Some 40 delegations - from the coalition, the UN, Nato, the African Union and Arab League - are preparing to meet in London on Tuesday to discuss the way forward for Libya, Kazinform refers to BBC News.

See www.bbc.co.uk for full version.