Russia says it could help mediate Gaddafi's exit

Russia could help mediate Muammar Gaddafi's exit from power, a senior Russian diplomat said Friday. 

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted by Russian news agencies as telling reporters on the sidelines of the Group of Eight summit in Deauville, France, that Gaddafi has exhausted his legitimacy as the Libyan leader. "We believe that Gaddafi has deprived himself of legitimacy as the Libyan leader, and it's necessary to help him leave," Ryabkov said, adding that Russia is ready to convey such signals to the Libyan side.(AP)