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World Powers Gather In London To Discuss Future In Libya

29.03.2011 12:52

World powers have kicked off a meeting in London to discuss future humanitarian operations and political processes for Libya -- with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton among those attending.

Representatives of more than 35 countries are taking part. Ahead of the meeting, British Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Nicolas Sarkozy called on Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi to leave power. They also called on Libya's opposition and civil society leaders to start the country's transition to democracy.

The meeting comes as fighting in Libya rages between forces loyal to Qaddafi and antigovernment rebels looking to sweep him from power.

Reports on March 29 said Libyan government tanks and rockets had blunted a rebel assault on Qaddafi's hometown of Sirte on and driven back the rebels.

The rebel position has been bolstered by international air strikes operating under a UN Security Council resolution calling on the international community to protect Libyan civilians.

Shamsiddin Abdulmolah, a spokesman for the opposition interim National Council, based in the rebel stronghold of Benghazi, said Qaddafi should be put on trial for crimes against humanity and should not be offered exile. Abdulmolah said the issue is "non-negotiable."

The National Council has said it would hold free and fair elections to ensure a transition to democracy if Qaddafi were forced from power.

compiled from agency reports

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/article/3540478.html

Copyright (c) 2011. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.