Wednesday, 16 March 2011
PM wants UN 'leadership' on Libya
Negotiations are expected to begin on a draft United Nations resolution from the UK, France and Lebanon, which would impose a no-fly zone on Libya.
The resolution also proposes banning commercial flights from bringing arms and mercenaries into Libya.
There is disagreement within the international community about a no-fly zone, to prevent air attacks on rebels. Some fear being "sucked in" to a war.
Meanwhile Col Gaddafi has blamed the UK for the Libya uprising, in a TV speech.
He said on Libyan TV: "Britain no longer exists. It is a trace of what it used to be. It has been promoting attack on Libya. Is there a common border between us? Are you our guardian? By what right?"
He went on to "dare" the US, Britain and France to "give their people freedom like I did to the Libyan people".
Britain is increasing the pressure for a no-fly zone over Libya by tabling the draft resolution at the UN Security Council, along with France and Lebanon.
Read Nick Robinson's blog“The question that is ringing around Downing Street is 'what does Obama think?'”
Germany, Russia and China are said to be among those opposing such proposals, aimed at preventing air attacks on rebels by pro-Gaddafi forces, and the US has yet to declare its position.
The Arab League has backed the idea but a meeting of G8 foreign ministers in Paris failed to do so.
Prime Minister David Cameron authorised formal proposal of the text - which contains a "menu" of options for restraining Col Gaddafi's regime.
BBC political editor Nick Robinson said the British government was now waiting to find out whether US President Barack Obama was opposed to any military intervention and whether his concerns about the situation in the Gulf would override any interest he had in North Africa.
"Rather than wait for an answer the [UK] prime minister, along with [France's] President Sarkozy, has decided to try to force the diplomatic pace," added our correspondent.
The talks come as fierce fighting continues between Colonel Gaddafi's troops and opposition groups.
A battle for the eastern town of Brega has been ongoing. The oil town has changed hands several times over recent days and reports have suggested the rebels are losing control.
In the west, government forces appear to have retaken Zuwara and were shelling Misrata city.
On Tuesday, Libyan government planes also bombed the outskirts of Ajdabiya, the last town before the rebel base in Benghazi, in the east.
Talks on a no-fly zone have been held in recent days between British representatives at the UN and their US, German and Lebanese counterparts.
It was also discussed by Nato defence ministers last week, who agreed a clear UN mandate would be needed should Nato be involved.
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