NATO Attacks Rock Libya as Diplomatic Efforts Continue in Europe
VOA News May 26, 2011
NATO attacks continued in Libya Thursday while diplomatic efforts unfolded overseas.
At least three loud explosions rocked the Libyan capital, Tripoli, late Wednesday. Libyan government officials said the blasts were caused by NATO airstrikes that hit targets that include a vocational school.
The Reuters news agency said Thursday that forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi were pounding Misrata, a rebel-held city east of Tripoli.
Meanwhile, Spain says it received a proposal from the Libyan government for a possible cease-fire. A spokesman for Spain's prime minister said Thursday that Spain would favor a cease-fire but certain conditions and steps needed to take place first.
Earlier Thursday, a British newspaper, The Independent, said Libya had sent a number of foreign governments letters proposing the cease-fire.
Libya's crisis -- and the broader Arab uprising in the Mideast and North Africa -- are major topics for Group of Eight world powers meeting in France.
The African Union says it is exploring a political solution to Libya's unrest. AU Commission chairman Jean Ping has told heads of state meeting in Ethiopia that the situation on the ground in Libya remains a serious concern.
On Wednesday, the Pentagon announced the U.S. has been providing ammunition to NATO allies carrying out strikes in Libya. Colonel Dave Lapan said the U.S. had provided material support that included munitions to help back operations in Libya.
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