France rejects US criticism

FRENCH President Nicolas Sarkozy rebuffed criticism of Europe’s role in the Libyan war by outgoing US defence secretary Robert Gates, saying Washington’s allies were “doing the work”.

The spat is the latest sign of tensions among NATO allies in their campaign to oust Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, with Britain, France and others rejecting an Italian call earlier this week for a suspension of hostilities to allow humanitarian aid access.

It broke out as President Barack Obama faces domestic pressure over US involvement in the war, with the House of Representatives due to vote soon on a proposal to cut off funds for US hostilities in Libya.

“It was particularly inappropriate for Mr Gates to say that, and what is more, completely false, given what is going in Libya,” Sarkozy said.