[ 2011-04-20 ]

The civilian death toll has been high in Misrata, the rebels' last stronghold in western Libya

Libya warns UK could worsen war
Libya's foreign minister says a British plan to
send a military team to advise rebels fighting Col
Gaddafi would harm chances of peace in the
country.

A UK military presence in rebel-held Benghazi
would "prolong" fighting, Abdul Ati al-Obeidi told
the BBC.

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.

The BBC understands about 10 UK officers and a
similar number from France will be despatched on
the mission.

'A step backwards'

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.

Mr 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 Mr Obeidi.

He said the election would cover "whatever issue
is raised by Libyans", and that anything could be
on the table, including, he implied, the future of
Col Gaddafi as leader.

Countries he had visited had been supportive about
a suggested ceasefire and helping the humanitarian
effort, Mr Obeidi added, but pointed to the UK,
France and Italy as being unhelpful.

No UK fighting

Mr Obeidi said everything possible was being done
to help international aid organisations give help
to people in Misrata.

UN Security Council Resolution 1973, passed in
March, authorised "all necessary measures short of
occupation" to protect civilians.

Nato is currently in charge of the no-fly zone and
coalition operations have been largely confined to
air attacks.

Mr Hague stressed the officers being sent to the
eastern rebel stronghold of Benghazi would not be
involved in any fighting.

They would be drawn from experienced British
military officers and charged with supporting and
advising the NTC [opposition National Transitional
Council] on how to "improve their military
organisational structures, communications and
logistics".

French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe has said
France is opposed to the idea of sending coalition
ground troops into Libya, or even special forces
to guide air strikes, to break the military
stalemate.

Brig Gen Mark Van Uhm, chief of Allied operations,
said almost 2,800 sorties had been flown over
Libya, destroying more than a third of Col
Gaddafi's military assets.

He said the situation on the ground remained fluid
and was changing daily.

Source - BBC

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