US, UK reach consensus on Libya action

US President Barack Obama (R) talks with British Prime Minister David Cameron

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/168919.html

US President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron have agreed on a “full spectrum” of actions on Libya as violence in the North African country continues.

"The president and the prime minister agreed to press forward with planning, including at NATO, on the full spectrum of possible responses," the White House said in a statement.

Obama and Cameron plan to call for a no-fly zone over Libya to prevent the forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi from conducting aerial attacks on opposition forces, AFP reported on Tuesday.

The transatlantic leaders also reached consensus on an arms embargo, humanitarian assistance, and surveillance of the country.

The plan to impose a no-fly zone on Libya, now being pushed forward by Britain and France at the UN Security Council, has led to disagreements among world powers.

Russia has expressed opposition to military action against Libya that could be included in the no-fly zone initiative.

Experts say that imposing a no-fly zone would require assaults on Libyan air defenses and the Libyan air force.

Meanwhile, the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) has once again rejected the calls for foreign military intervention in Libya. OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu announced the stance at an emergency OIC meeting on Libya in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

In the latest developments, pro-Gaddafi forces have stepped up attacks on revolutionary forces in several towns currently under the control of the opposition.

The situation in Zawiyah, 48 kilometers (30 miles) west of Tripoli, is critical, with tanks surrounding the town and aircraft bombing civilians.

Airstrikes were launched in the eastern port of Ras Lanuf on Tuesday, and jets also struck two hotels in Benghazi where reporters were staying.