OREANDA-NEWS. March 23, 2011. Dmitry Medvedev met with United States Secretary of Defence Robert M. Gates.

During the talks, special attention was given to issues concerning European anti-missile defence. Dmitry Medvedev once again stated Russia’s position on the matter, which was formulated at the NATO-Russia summit in Lisbon last autumn.

In addition, the President of Russia gave his assessment of the current situation in Libya and expressed concern over how the UN Security Council resolution on imposing a no-fly zone over Libya is being enforced, as well as the possibility of victims among the civilian population resulting from the indiscriminate use of air power.

Dmitry Medvedev confirmed Russia’s readiness to engage in a mediation mission to settle the Libyan conflict. Any form of Russia’s participation in the multi-state coalition’s actions regarding Libya was not discussed.

Participants in the meeting included Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov and Presidential Aide Sergei Prikhodko from the Russian side, and Assistant Secretary of Defence Alexander Vershbow from the American side.