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29/03/2011
'Libya Alliance' In London Conference
Amid UN-backed military action, the international allies are meeting in London today to decide the next steps to take in Libya.
Prime Minister David Cameron said he hoped the meeting would encourage "maximum political and diplomatic unity".
Rapid progress has been made by forces opposed to Col Gaddafi, aided by international air strikes, but they face ongoing threats by pro-Gaddafi's forces.
The conference will prioritise the welfare of the Libyan people, and will access the next move by international allies.
Foreign Secretary William Hague told the BBC that the UK wanted Gaddafi "to go, to leave power," but denied the coalition was involved in "regime change".
He said: "We're not in control of where he might go. I'm not going to choose Col Gaddafi's retirement home.
"Of course I believe he should face the ICC (International Criminal Court). But of course where he goes, if he goes, is up to him and the people of Libya to determine and we will not necessarily be in control of that."
In a statement, he added: "The ITNC is an important and legitimate political interlocutor and the UK is committed to strengthening our contacts with a wide range of members of the Libyan opposition who are working to create a Libya where the legitimate aspirations of its people can be met.
"We considered how best the UK, as well as other attendees at today's London conference, can best support the Libyan people, and I asked for Mr Jabril's assessment of the humanitarian needs in Libya and priorities for international assistance."
Tourism
Meanwhile, concerns over tourism are increasing this week on Europe's nearest neighbour to strife-torn Libya.
Speaking in Valetta, just over 200 miles from Tripoli, Malta's Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi explained that an 'official' Libyan plane was refused landing permission at the weekend.
Passengers included pilots who intended to 'repossess' two multi-million Euro Mirage fighter aircraft flown there earlier in March by defecting pilots.
Just days before the tensions were racked-up by the latest development, UK visitors to the holiday island were among those being polled by the authoritive Malta Times newspaper about any fears they might have had before travelling.
They were being asked if they had any worries about Malta, after cancellations by small groups from the UK, France and Germany and a reported slowdown in bookings.
While some of the holidaymakers said they were unconcerned, others would have been willing to cancel had they been able to claim refunds - but agreed that since arrival, all was peaceful.
However, as the request by Libya for the two war planes to be returned has been denied - and the request by their pilots for political asylum remained under consideration in Malta - some will reflect on the mere 221 mile proximity to Tripoli, Libya's capital.
(BMcN/BMcC)
Prime Minister David Cameron said he hoped the meeting would encourage "maximum political and diplomatic unity".
Rapid progress has been made by forces opposed to Col Gaddafi, aided by international air strikes, but they face ongoing threats by pro-Gaddafi's forces.
The conference will prioritise the welfare of the Libyan people, and will access the next move by international allies.
Foreign Secretary William Hague told the BBC that the UK wanted Gaddafi "to go, to leave power," but denied the coalition was involved in "regime change".
He said: "We're not in control of where he might go. I'm not going to choose Col Gaddafi's retirement home.
"Of course I believe he should face the ICC (International Criminal Court). But of course where he goes, if he goes, is up to him and the people of Libya to determine and we will not necessarily be in control of that."
In a statement, he added: "The ITNC is an important and legitimate political interlocutor and the UK is committed to strengthening our contacts with a wide range of members of the Libyan opposition who are working to create a Libya where the legitimate aspirations of its people can be met.
"We considered how best the UK, as well as other attendees at today's London conference, can best support the Libyan people, and I asked for Mr Jabril's assessment of the humanitarian needs in Libya and priorities for international assistance."
Tourism
Meanwhile, concerns over tourism are increasing this week on Europe's nearest neighbour to strife-torn Libya.
Speaking in Valetta, just over 200 miles from Tripoli, Malta's Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi explained that an 'official' Libyan plane was refused landing permission at the weekend.
Passengers included pilots who intended to 'repossess' two multi-million Euro Mirage fighter aircraft flown there earlier in March by defecting pilots.
Just days before the tensions were racked-up by the latest development, UK visitors to the holiday island were among those being polled by the authoritive Malta Times newspaper about any fears they might have had before travelling.
They were being asked if they had any worries about Malta, after cancellations by small groups from the UK, France and Germany and a reported slowdown in bookings.
While some of the holidaymakers said they were unconcerned, others would have been willing to cancel had they been able to claim refunds - but agreed that since arrival, all was peaceful.
However, as the request by Libya for the two war planes to be returned has been denied - and the request by their pilots for political asylum remained under consideration in Malta - some will reflect on the mere 221 mile proximity to Tripoli, Libya's capital.
(BMcN/BMcC)
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18 April 2011
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The UK International Development Secretary has pledged new funding to aid evacuation in war-torn Libya. Speaking to the BBC, Andrew Mitchell said the money would help migrant workers trapped in the city of Misrata. As the unrest in Libya continues, residents and aid workers have reported a major lack of food, power, water and medicine.
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The UK International Development Secretary has pledged new funding to aid evacuation in war-torn Libya. Speaking to the BBC, Andrew Mitchell said the money would help migrant workers trapped in the city of Misrata. As the unrest in Libya continues, residents and aid workers have reported a major lack of food, power, water and medicine.
04 March 2011
UK Flights Rescue Over 3,000 In Libya
British rescue efforts are continuing to help those stranded in Libya. A UK airlift operation to Cairo has now transported over 3,000 Egyptians trying to escape the violence in Libya. As UK charities warn of a "potential humanitarian crisis", three UK-chartered planes have already made 12 flights from Djerba airport in Tunisia to Cairo.
UK Flights Rescue Over 3,000 In Libya
British rescue efforts are continuing to help those stranded in Libya. A UK airlift operation to Cairo has now transported over 3,000 Egyptians trying to escape the violence in Libya. As UK charities warn of a "potential humanitarian crisis", three UK-chartered planes have already made 12 flights from Djerba airport in Tunisia to Cairo.
30 March 2011
Malta Tourists 'Not Worried' Over Libya
Holidaymakers on Malta have been asked about any concerns they might have about their visit to the Mediterranean island. There are fears that visitor numbers from the UK to what is Europe's nearest neighbour to Libya may be hit by the turbulence just over 200 miles away.
Malta Tourists 'Not Worried' Over Libya
Holidaymakers on Malta have been asked about any concerns they might have about their visit to the Mediterranean island. There are fears that visitor numbers from the UK to what is Europe's nearest neighbour to Libya may be hit by the turbulence just over 200 miles away.
24 March 2011
Libyan Air Force Neutralised
The RAF's commander of the air operations over Libya, Air Vice-Marshal Greg Bagwell, has reported that the Libyan Air Force 'no longer exists as a fighting force'. Speaking from Gioia del Colle air base, near Bari in southern Italy, Air Vice-Marshal Bagwell said: "We are now applying sustained, unrelenting pressure on the Libyan Armed Forces.
Libyan Air Force Neutralised
The RAF's commander of the air operations over Libya, Air Vice-Marshal Greg Bagwell, has reported that the Libyan Air Force 'no longer exists as a fighting force'. Speaking from Gioia del Colle air base, near Bari in southern Italy, Air Vice-Marshal Bagwell said: "We are now applying sustained, unrelenting pressure on the Libyan Armed Forces.
21 March 2011
UK Missile Strikes Continue In Libya
A second night of UK missile strikes has taken place in Libya. As part of an international coalition with the US and France, UK forces are trying to protect civilians from Col Gaddafi's attacks.
UK Missile Strikes Continue In Libya
A second night of UK missile strikes has taken place in Libya. As part of an international coalition with the US and France, UK forces are trying to protect civilians from Col Gaddafi's attacks.
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