London: A British plan to send a military team to advise rebels fighting Col Gaddafi would harm chances of peace in the country, Libya’s foreign minister said.
A UK military presence in rebel-held Benghazi would “prolong” fighting, Abdul Ati al-Obeidi told media.
UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said the move complied with a UN resolution to protect civilians in Libya, which forbids foreign occupation forces.
The team is set to provide logistics and intelligence training in Benghazi.
Libya is embroiled in a two-month uprising by rebels based in the eastern city of Benghazi to end Col Gaddafi’s 42-year rule.
Following the fall of presidents in neighbouring Tunisia and Egypt, Libya’s revolt has developed into an armed conflict, with rebels pitted against pro-Gaddafi forces for control over territory.
Misrata, the rebels’ last stronghold in the west, has faced weeks of heavy bombardment.
Obeidi proposed that there should be a ceasefire followed by an interim period of maybe six months to prepare for an election which would be supervised by the UN, as proposed by the African Union roadmap.
“We think any military presence is a step backwards and we are sure that if this bombing stopped and there is a real ceasefire we could have a dialogue among all Libyans about what they want – democracy, political reform, constitution, election. This could not be done with what is going on now,” said Obeidi.
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