Russia: Gadhafi not welcome here

MOSCOW, July 18 (UPI) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi isn't welcome in Russia.

"This ... question has been answered on more than one occasion -- the answer is negative," Lavrov told RIA Novosti Monday.

Lavrov said Moscow recognizes the Transitional National Council of Libya as an official -- but not the only -- negotiating partner in seeking to overthrow Gadhafi.

Lavrov's comments followed Friday's declaration by the Libya Contact Group that Gadhafi's regime had lost its legitimacy and the recognition of the TNC as "the legitimate governing authority in Libya" until an interim authority is established.

The TNC said "the Gadhafi regime no longer has any legitimate authority in Libya" and that Gadhafi and his family members should leave.

Libya has been the scene of bloody battles between rebels and government troops since earlier this year when the move to oust Gadhafi began.