Russia is opposed to any form of military intervention in Libya, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said today as the United States faces pressure to arm anti-Kadhafi rebels.

"We do not consider foreign and especially military intervention a means to resolve the crisis in Libya," Russian news agencies quoted Lavrov as saying. "The Libyans must resolve their problems themselves."

The New York Times reported yesterday that US defence planners were preparing a range of land, sea and air military options in Libya in case Washington and its allies decide to intervene there.

The report came as Moamer Kadhafi's forces held off rebels near the dictator's hometown and recaptured a key city.

International News inextlive from World News Desk