DOHA/TRIPOLI, (Reuters) – A group of Western powers and Middle Eastern states called for the first time today for Muammar Gaddafi to step aside, but NATO countries squabbled publicly over stepping up air strikes to help topple him.
In a victory for Britain and France, which are leading the air campaign in Libya and pushed for an unequivocal call for regime change, the “contact group” of some 16 European and Middle Eastern nations, plus the United Nations, the Arab League and the African Union, said Gaddafi must go.
“Gaddafi and his regime has lost all legitimacy and he must leave power allowing the Libyan people to determine their future,” a final statement obtained by Reuters said.
The wording was much tougher than at a previous conference two weeks ago and gave stronger backing to insurgents fighting to end Gaddafi’s 41-year rule.
Participants said they would work to create a financial mechanism to help rebels run the eastern region they control.
The group said the rebel national council, “In contrast with the current regime … is a legitimate interlocutor, representing the aspirations of the Libyan people”.
It called for a political settlement, to be decided by the Libyan people, an end to attacks against civilians, and the withdrawal of government forces from towns they had occupied or besieged, including the beleaguered western city of Misrata.
The group also agreed to provide “material support” for the rebels. Although the statement did not give details, diplomats said some nations might interpret this as supplying arms — a key request of the outgunned insurgents.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani appeared to suggest the Gulf nation could consider supplying arms, telling reporters material support could include “all the other needs, including defence equipment”.
Qatar is a leading Arab supporter of the uprising which broke out a month ago in Libya, inspired by popular revolts that toppled the leaders of neighbouring Tunisia and Egypt.
At the eastern front on Wednesday, rebels at Ajdabiyah said they were exchanging rocket fire with Gaddafi’s forces from a point about 40 km (25 miles) east of the long-contested oil port of Brega, which the government holds.
Rebels also reported more heavy fighting in Misrata, their only bastion in western Libya, and said they were making progress against government forces besieging the city.
Libyan television said NATO planes had bombed Misrata’s main Tripoli street, scene of repeated battles between rebel defenders and government troops. It said people were killed, without giving details. The television also said alliance planes had attacked Gaddafi’s birthplace of Sirte, east of Misrata.
