In diplomatic shift, Russia calls for Gadhafi to step down (CNN)

[Cerridwen]

Tripoli, Libya (CNN) -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has joined American and other European leaders in calling for Moammar Gadhafi to step down from power -- a shift that appears to indicate a closing diplomatic window for the longtime Libyan strongman.

Moscow has been a strong critic of the NATO-led mission in Libya, arguing that the scope of the organization's air campaign against Gadhafi's forces far exceeds the civilian protection mandate approved by the U.N. Security Council.

Medvedev's call for Gadhafi to step aside came at the end of the Group of Eight summit in Deauville, France, Friday. The G8 includes the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Japan, Germany, Italy and Russia.

The G8 leaders also issued a written statement Friday expressing support for the democratic uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa.

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