Gaddafi would prefer martyrdom to surrender

The Russian newspaper "Izvestia" published the statements of Russian Foreign Minister Sergi Lavrov, confirming that Russia will not receive the Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, if he decides to resign and leave Libya. Under the title "Gaddafi would prefer martyrdom than going to Russia", the paper quoted Russian expert, George Mirsky, who said in an interview with the paper that it is impossible for Gaddafi to turn to Russia, or any other large state. In such a case he would have to choose from a selection of small countries. He expressed his belief that Gaddafi is not looking for anywhere to go, especially given that he has previously stated: "Martyrdom is better than surrender." The Russian Foreign Minister confirmed on Monday that his country will not receive Colonel Muammar Gaddafi if he stepped down from his position as President, and left his country. He also said that Russia thought it necessary for Muammar Gaddafi to leave the ruling establishment, in order to allow for there to be reconciliation between the government and the opposition as a prelude to resolving the crisis in Libya, and putting an end to the fighting there.