MOSCOW - Russia insisted on the immediate ceasefire in Libya and opening talks for settlements to end violence in the Northern African country, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday.

After his talks with visiting Namibian Foreign Minister Utoni Nujoma, Lavrov stressed in a press conference that the ceasefire in Libya and the return of the country to political tracks were in interests of Libyan people and the entire international community.

Lavrov also reiterated that the UN Security Council resolutions 1970 and 1973 must be obeyed strictly within the mandates.

"The excessive use of mandates happening now must be stopped," Lavrov said.

Nujoma agreed with Lavrov, saying the Western countries have exceeded the UN mandate in their operation in Libya.

Resolution 1970 imposed an arms embargo against Libya and slapped sanctions on members of Libyan leader Gaddafi's inner circle. Resolution 1973 authorized a no-fly zone over Libya.

In addition, Lavrov also said that he expected to meet with the representatives of the Libyan opposition in Moscow shortly.

"We are ready for it," Lavrov noted.