Libya summit: ‘Gaddafi must go’

The summit included high profile rebels who’re seeking to oust the Libyan leader after more than four decades in power.

NATO’s role in the conflict was also discussed with Britain’s Foreign Minister William Hague urging participating nations to switch their warplanes from enforcing a no-fly zone over Libya to attacking pro-Gaddafi forces on the ground.

His comments were supported by French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe, who told Doha the meeting: “The aim is very clear, Gaddafi must go but we need a political solution. We must keep up a strong and robust military pressure to convince Gaddafi there is no way out.”

Humanitarian crisis

The UN secretary general Ban Ki-Moon drew attention to the worsening humanitarian situation in Libya, telling delegates more than half the population could be affected by the conflict.

“Under our worst-case scenario, as many 3.6 million people could eventually require humanitarian assistance. On average, 2,700 people cross to Tunisia and Egypt every day. Roughly 330,000 people have been internally displaced.”

The “contact group” also discussed giving the rebels military, political and financial support, though it is as yet unclear how such policies might be implemented.

Downing Street has now confirmed that Britain will supply 1,000 sets of body armour to the rebels from surplus UK defence supplies.

It said that the decision was in line with UN Security Council resolutions and would enable the opposition forces “to defend themselves and their communities against regime forces that attack civilians”.

The continuing offensive

While the conference was in session military action continued on the ground in Libya.

The Ministry of Defence said that RAF Tornado GR4s patrolling the Misrata area used Brimstone missiles to destroy a Libyan main battle tank.

Rebels in the besieged city of Misrata said they were continuing their battle against government troops with a rebel spokesman, identifying himself as Gemal Salem declaring: “The rebels are making progress in the clashes and we can see plumes of smoke rising from several (government) forces’ positions.”

Libyan State television also reported NATO strikes on the cities of al Azizyah and Sirte, and loud explosions were also reported in the Libyan capital of Tripoli which remains under government control.