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March 15, 2011

Libya: Pro-Gaddafi Forces Close in on Rebels as No-Fly Zone Debate Persists 
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In Libya, forces loyal to Col. Muammar Gaddafi have captured the city of
Zwara, west of Tripoli, and are battling under-equipped rebel fighters
for control of the oil town of Brega. In recent days, Gaddafi forces
have won back control of several key cities. Meanwhile, debate continues
at the international level over whether the U.N. Security Council should
institute a no-fly zone. On Monday, German Foreign Minister Guido
Westerwelle expressed deep concerns about the no-fly zone.

Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle: "I have reiterated on behalf of the
German government that we remain very skeptical about a military
intervention in Libya. A no-fly zone is a military intervention and
always has to be considered with the consequences. I do not want Germany
to be drawn into a long-lasting war in North Africa."

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister David Cameron has openly backed a
no-fly zone and rejected charges that it amounts to an act of war.

Prime Minister David Cameron: "I think what we're seeing in Libya is
different, in that it's an uprising of a people against a leader. And
it's quite a condition, and no—different, and no one is talking
about invasions or boots on the ground or the rest of it."



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