Arab League throws weight behind strikes

THE Arab League got back behind international military strikes against Libya yesterday after comments by its leader had indicated divisions over the campaign against Muammar Gaddafi.

Arab League Secretary General Amr Mussa declared his commitment to the UN-mandated action after a meeting with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and talks with British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Ban, who later had to be rescued from pro-Gaddafi activists in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, said it was essential for the world “to speak with one voice” on the Libya crisis and Mussa gave new backing to the campaign.

“We are committed to UN Security Council Resolution 1973, we have no objection to this decision, particularly as it does not call for an invasion of Libyan territory,” Mussa told a press conference with the UN chief.

The Arab League had announced its support for the no-fly zone and “we are committed to that decision,” he added.

Mussa said that earlier comments had been “misinterpreted” and were motivated by concerns about civilians being caught up in the coalition strikes, as Arab governments did not want more deaths in Libya.

“We are working in coordination with the United Nations to protect the civilians in Libya,” he added.

On Sunday, Mussa had raised concerns among governments in Europe and America when he said the air strikes went beyond Resolution 1973.

“What has happened in Libya differs from the goal of imposing a no-fly zone and what we want is the protection of civilians and not bombing other civilians,” Mussa told reporters then.

Cameron also telephoned Mussa after the comments. “The prime minister concluded that they were on the same page,” his spokesman said of the talks which concentrated on the need to protect Libyan civilians.