Nato 'paving way for rebel advance'

Libya's deputy foreign minister accused Nato today of intensifying its bombing campaign and backing foreign mercenaries to lay the groundwork for an advance by rebels trying to topple Muammar Gaddafi's regime.

Khaled Kaim said the alliance's increased bombings represented the "final phase" of the air campaign, but he said the push would fail and that civilians would be the ones to pay the price.