Benghazi, May 29 (IANS) Chairman of Libyan opposition's National Transitional Council (CNT) has hailed the new "position displayed" by Russia which now seeks departure of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, and mediate in Libyan conflict, Xinhua reported Sunday.

"We welcome the position shown by the Russian President Dmitry Medvedev," said Mustafa Abdel Jalil in a press statement in Benghazi, the opposition's base.

"We believe the role of Russia in international affairs, but these relations must take place in a mutual interest and mutual respect," Jalil added.

On Friday, at the G8 summit in France, Medvedev demanded Gaddfi's stepping down from his position.

"The world community no longer sees him as the Libyan leader," said Russian President Dmitry Medvedev after the summit.

Traditionally opposed to any interference, Russia has raised its reluctance to openly demand the departure of a head of state in functions and has offered to mediate.

"I offered our mediation with our partners," Medvedev said. " Everybody thinks it will be useful," he said, announcing the imminent dispatch of an emissary to Benghazi.