Throwing its weight behind Libyan rebels, Britain today said any “viable peaceful future” for the strife-torn country must involve the departure of Col Muammar Gaddafi as Italy sought arming of the strongman's opponents amid reports of fresh shelling in the besieged western city of Misrata.
At the first meeting of the 'International Contact Group on Libya' in the Qatari capital Doha, which marked the debut of the Libyan rebels on the world stage, UN Secretary General Mr Ban Ki-moon warned that up to 3.6 million people in Libya may eventually require humanitarian aid, more than half of the country's population. He also urged nations to speak with “one voice” on the issue.
Italy, on its part, said it wanted the international community to consider arming Libyan rebels. “The discussion about arming the rebels is definitely on the table ... to defend themselves,” Italy's Mr Maurizio Massari said on the sidelines of the meeting. “The UN resolution ... does not forbid arming” and “we need to provide the rebels all possible defensive means,” he added.
According to BBC, British foreign secretary Mr William Hague said that “any viable ceasefire, any viable peaceful future for Libya must involve the departure of Col Gaddafi so such statements may be clearer as a result of our conference.”
The UK foreign secretary, whose government has been one of the leaders of the Nato action against the forces of Colonel Muammer Gaddafi, said the international community should give temporary financial support to eastern Libya’s ruling Interim Government.
For more: World leaders back Libyan rebels
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