Russia is seeking permission for its planes to enter Libyan airspace, which has been shut down amid mass anti-government protests, to evacuate its nationals from the turbulent North African state.
"Libyan airspace remains closed and permission for the flight of Russian planes is being coordinated through diplomatic channels," Russian emergencies spokesperson Irina Andrianova said.
Russia is to send four airplanes to evacuate a total of 563 Russian nationals from Libya. Most of them are employees of the Russian Railways monopoly and the Gazprom energy giant, or families of Russian diplomats.
Reports indicate up to 500 people could have been killed by government forces since protests against the country's long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi began February 15, and thousands more have been wounded.
The Libyan authorities have officially confirmed 84 deaths.
MOSCOW, February 22 (RIA Novosti)
