At Arab League, Oman urges action on Libya

CAIRO, (Reuters) – Arab states must intervene in  Libya or risk unwanted foreign intervention, Oman’s foreign  minister told an Arab League meeting today.
European states hope the Arab League will take the lead in  shaping policy towards the revolt that has divided Libya. The  League has suspended Libya for its crackdown on an uprising  against Muammar Gaddafi but has not severed all ties to Tripoli.
Gulf states including Oman have voiced strong criticism of  Gaddafi and called for a no-fly zone over Libya, but the  position of other Arab League states is not clear. Analysts  doubt its members will agree unanimously on such action.
Egypt, buoyed by the revolution that swept Hosni Mubarak  from power, could prove crucial in swaying opinion. States  including Syria have been less critical of Gaddafi.
“What is needed now is Arab intervention using mechanisms of  the Arab League and at the same time in accordance with  international law,” Omani Foreign Minister Youssef bin Alawi bin  Abdullah said in his opening remarks to an Arab League meeting.
“We must look at various options that circumstances in Libya  need,” he said, giving brief opening remarks during a televised  opening session over which he presided.
“What is happening now to the Libyan people poses a threat  to the security and stability of Arab states.
“If the Arab League does not take responsibility to prevent  a downward spiral, that could lead to internal fighting or  unwanted foreign intervention,” he added.
Gulf Arab ministers said on Thursday Gaddafi’s  administration had lost its legitimacy and called for measures  including imposing a no-fly zone. Gaddafi has had particularly  bad relations with Gulf heavyweight Saudi Arabia for years.
Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa, a candidate for  the Egyptian presidency, called for a no-fly zone to help the  Libyan people “in their struggle for freedom against an  increasingly inhuman regime”.
In an interview with Der Spiegel, he said the Arab League  could play a role.
Outside the League’s Cairo headquarters, about a hundred  people held a protest against the Tripoli government, waving the  pre-Gaddafi flag that has become a symbol of the revolt. “The  people want to put the murderer on trial,” they chanted.
“Egypt should take a stronger position so that it can  restore its weight in the region,” Fayez Gabrail, a Libyan  protesting outside the building, said.
At a March 2 meeting, the Arab League said a no-fly zone was  an option. NATO has cited firm regional support as one element  required for the imposition of a no-fly zone on Libya.
European Union states said on Friday they would examine  options to protect civilians but also listed regional support as  one necessary element. The United States has said a no-fly zone  remains an option to put pressure on Gaddafi.
The Arab League, though appearing tough on Gaddafi, has not  cut all ties with his government. It says it needs to be in  touch with the people who control the situation in Libya.
Saif al-Islam, one of Gaddafi’s sons, told supporters in  Tripoli this week the Arabs were “nothing”. “Screw Arabs and the  Arab League,” he said.