Doha: The contact group on Libya is to hold talks on the conflict the country is facing, amid calls for Nato to intensify its campaign there. At the talks in Qatar, delegates from the “contact group” on Libya will hear from leaders of the rebels seeking to topple Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi.
Ahead of the meeting, the French and British foreign ministers said Nato should be doing more in Libya.
But a Nato general said the alliance was doing a “great job”.
The talks come amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in the rebel-held city of Misrata, where pro-Gaddafi forces have continued to launched fresh attacks.
The last rebel-held area in the west, Misrata has been under siege for more than six weeks, with rights groups warning of a shortage of food and medical supplies.
On his way to the talks, British Foreign Secretary William Hague noted that the military situation had gone back and forth, telling the BBC that more pressure – both political and military – could be necessary.
“What may appear at the moment a military deadlock is not a deadlock in the world of diplomacy and sanctions, the isolation of the regime, and I hope the recognition of many in the regime that it has no long-term future,” he said.
Many countries meeting in Qatar believe Col Gaddafi has to go, and want that made explicit in a joint statement at the end of the meeting.
Reports say that agreeing such a position may prove hard.
France and Britain both want more Nato states to contribute combat aircraft to the mission in Libya, with French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe saying on Tuesday that Nato’s efforts in Libya were so far “not enough”.
“Nato must play its role fully. It wanted to take the lead in operations,” he said.
Airstrikes have so far failed to tip the military balance decisively against Col Gaddafi’s regime.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription