Arabs, West plan to fund Libyan rebels, possibly from Gadhafi’s accounts

Western and Arab leaders Wednesday agreed to provide ragtag Libyan rebels with “material support” and funds, possibly from Col. Moammar Gadhafi’s frozen foreign bank accounts, as they escalated international pressure on the Libyan dictator to relinquish power.

They did not specify the type of material support they planned to offer, but several officials meeting in the Gulf nation of Qatar said some countries individually are considering arming the rebels.

The Libyan Contact Group, meeting for the first time, also demanded that Col. Gadhafi step down.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheik Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani told reporters that aid could include “all the other needs, including defense equipment.”

“It is time to help the Libyan people defend themselves and to defend the Libyan people,” he said.

U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973 imposed a no-fly zone and an arms embargo on Libya. However, the resolution also permitted member states to take all means necessary to protect civilians.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates have indicated that the resolution leaves open the possibility of arming the rebels.

Italy, Libya’s former colonial power, argued strongly in favor of supplying arms. Italy also has given diplomatic recognition to the rebel's transitional council in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi.

Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said Italy was “morally justified” in aiding the rebels because Col. Gadhafis forces have moved tanks into civilian areas to try to foil NATO airstrikes.

Pro-Gadhafi forces also have adopted the tactic of riding in civilian vehicles mounted with heavy artillery in a bid to confuse NATO pilots.

“Either we make it possible for [the rebels] to defend themselves, or we withdraw from our obligation to support defending the population of Libya,” said Mr. Frattini.

Italy will host the next meeting of the Contact Group of 16 Western and Arab countries with representatives from the United Nations and Arab League. The African Union sent observers to the talks in the Qatari capital, Doha. The group was formed at a meeting in London two weeks ago.

Italian Foreign Ministry spokesman Maurizio Massari said earlier that allies may consider providing “defensive weapons” to the rebels.

“The discussion of arms is certainly on the table,” he said. “We are not talking about offensive arms. … Every country will decide. It is a political decision.”

Weeks of airstrikes have failed to dislodge the Gadhafi regime.

Story Continues →

© Copyright 2013 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.