Gaddafi Cease Fire Offer Rejected by Western Powers
A new cease fire proposal was sent by Libyan leaders to foreign governments, but it is not being viewed as legitimate.
The government of Spain acknowledged that it had received a proposal for a cease fire from the Libyan Prime Minister Al-Baghdadi Ali Al-Mahmoudi. Spain's response was simply that it continues to stand with the rest of Europe in opposition to the Gaddafi regime. It appears that a cease fire is only going to be possible if Gaddafi steps down from power unconditionally.
Reporters have also been summoned to Tripoli, where it appears that the Libyan Prime Minister is preparing to hold a press conference. But it is unclear as to what he might be discussing. Even as these new developments have emerged, Gaddafi forces have stepped up their mortar attacks on the Libyan city of Misrata. Reporters embedded there have noted a string of mortar attacks on the outskirts of the city, with ambulances flowing steadily to and from the front lines.
President Barack Obama, in London on an official visit, reiterated the U.S. position that it is prepared to gradually depose Gaddafi and force him from power. "I absolutely agree that, given the progress that has been made over the last several weeks, Gaddafi and his regime need to understand that there will not be a let-up in the pressure that we are applying," Obama said.
With the G8 summit in France today and tomorrow, more discussions are likely to unfold about how best to ensure that the Libyan stalemate doesn't continue indefinitely. The longer Gaddafi remains in power, even under duress, the more problems are likely to surface for the U.S. and its allies.
Reporters have also been summoned to Tripoli, where it appears that the Libyan Prime Minister is preparing to hold a press conference. But it is unclear as to what he might be discussing. Even as these new developments have emerged, Gaddafi forces have stepped up their mortar attacks on the Libyan city of Misrata. Reporters embedded there have noted a string of mortar attacks on the outskirts of the city, with ambulances flowing steadily to and from the front lines.
President Barack Obama, in London on an official visit, reiterated the U.S. position that it is prepared to gradually depose Gaddafi and force him from power. "I absolutely agree that, given the progress that has been made over the last several weeks, Gaddafi and his regime need to understand that there will not be a let-up in the pressure that we are applying," Obama said.
With the G8 summit in France today and tomorrow, more discussions are likely to unfold about how best to ensure that the Libyan stalemate doesn't continue indefinitely. The longer Gaddafi remains in power, even under duress, the more problems are likely to surface for the U.S. and its allies.
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