Calls for no-fly zone increase as G8 meets
The accelerated push came as US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and other top diplomats from the G8 prominent world economies were gathering in Paris.
France, which has angered some allies by offering diplomatic recognition to Libya’s opposition, said it is urgent to act against “barbarity” by Gaddafi’s forces.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy and British Prime Minister David Cameron, in an letter to the EU president last week, said they supported “continued planning to be ready for all possible contingencies” in the Libyan situation, “including a no-fly zone or other options against air attacks.”
Yesterday, Cameron said that time was of essence in responding to the situation in Libya, and NATO was drawing up contingency plans for a no-fly zone.
“Every day Gaddafi is brutalising his own people. Time is of the essence,” Cameron told parliament in London. “There should be no let up in the pressure we put on this regime.”
He added: “No one is talking about invasion or boots on the ground.”
Insurgents who control much of eastern Libya have called for a no-fly zone, as forces loyal to Gaddafi strike back with tanks and planes — pressing eastward against the rebels yesterday.
The Arab League backed a no-fly zone, and British foreign secretary William Hague said “in cases of great, overwhelming humanitarian need” one could be enforced without a UN Security Council resolution.
Other countries, including the US, have been more cautious.
Germany’s foreign minister, Guido Westerwelle, said the Arab League would need to “not just support but also participate” in any action beyond targeted sanctions. He also stressed that Germany and other European countries don’t want to be drawn into a long-lasting war in north Africa.
Italy, a G8 member with close economic ties to Libya, said it would support a no-fly zone, but is against unilateral actions.
Gaddafi’s jets continue to bomb Libyan rebels, aiding a counter-offensive that has pushed insurgents 100 miles eastwards in a week.
Gaddafi’s government, at first reeling from widespread popular uprisings last month, is now confident of success. “We are certain of our victory, whatever the price,” state TV said.
Government troops took Brega on Sunday, but the rebels said they had moved back into the important eastern oil terminal town during the night and surrounded Gaddafi’s forces.
There is now a possibility that by the time world powers agree on a response to the conflict in Libya, Gaddafi’s forces may already have won, analysts said.
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