The Libyan authorities should be serious about the UN Security Council resolution adopted on February 26, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday, RIA Novosti reported.
"We are certain that the Libyan leadership should be serious about the resolution, as well as about the fact that the immediate end to violence and the beginning of search for resolution of the crisis is a must," Lavrov said following talks with EU Foreign Minister Catherine Ashton.
The European Union said on Monday it had approved sanctions against Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi for his violent suppression of protests.
Up to 2,000 people have been killed in clashes between protesters and pro-Gaddafi forces since an uprising began in Libya on February 15. Inspired by recent revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt, Libyans are demanding an end to Gaddafi's 42-year authoritarian rule.