Russian President Dmitry Medvedev told ministers on Friday that the government had to ensure the safety of Russian diplomats in Libya in the face of possible NATO intervention.
The UN Security Council has declared Libya a no-fly zone and supported "all necessary measures" to protect civilians in the country. On Friday morning, NATO said the alliance was ready for aerial strikes against Libya.
"We need to discuss this issue immediately and think about the security of our diplomats remaining in Libya," Medvedev said.
Russia, a permanent, veto-wielding UN Security Council member, abstained from the vote.
Gaddafi initially reacted with fury to the UN resolution, but the Libyan authorities have since declared a ceasefire after several days of aerial bombing campaigns against rebellious eastern territories.
GORKY, March 18 (RIA Novosti)
