G8 reluctant to back no-fly zone over Libya

The UK had joined with France to push for military intervention by the international community to stop dictator Muammar Gaddafi using his air power to bombard towns held by the opposition.

But while the G8 yesterday welcomed an Arab League call to protect civilians, a communiqué issued by Foreign Ministers following the summit made no mention of a no-fly zone.

The document is understood to state only that Libyans have a right to democracy and that Gaddafi faces “dire consequences” if he ignores citizens’ rights.

Sources suggested that Germany and Russia combined to block mention of a no-fly zone in the communiqué by the G8 group, which also includes the UK, France, Italy, Japan, Canada and the US.

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said: “Military intervention is not the solution. From our point of view it is very difficult and dangerous.

“We do not want to get sucked into a war in North Africa and we would not like to step on a slippery slope where we all are at the end in a war.”

The UK and France have circulated a draft Security Council resolution in New York which would authorise the imposition of a no-fly zone, though it was unclear when this might be tabled.

It is thought to be facing opposition from permanent Security Council members Russia and China, while the US has also expressed reluctance to get involved in military action.

Meanwhile Gaddafi consolidated his stronghold around Tripoli by seizing Zwara, the last rebel-held town west of the capital, after a heavy barrage of tank and artillery fire.

Opposition forces were also coming under pressure from a blockade of Libya’s third city Misrata.