Britain has strongly condemned as “deplorable and unacceptable” lethal force used against anti-government demonstrators in Libya.
Foreign secretary William Hague said: “The UK is gravely concerned about the situation in Libya which is deplorable and unacceptable.” The Libyan ambassador to London was summoned to the Foreign Office to be told that the UK condemned “in the strongest terms” the use of force against protestors.
Hague said: “The world is watching Libya, with mounting concern. The Libyan government should be in no doubt that it will be held accountable by the international community for its actions.
“The Libyan government’s refusal to recognise the extent of their people’s concerns and disregard for their safety undermines their credibility. The Libyan government must take responsibility for the safety of its people.”
The UK is calling for an immediate end to the violence and the killing of protesters, and for all parties to act in a “restrained and humane” manner. The Libyan government must offer full protection to foreign nationals in Libya and to provide assistance to those who wanting to leave.
There is no British Airways flight from Tripoli to London today (February 22) although other flights are available, the Foreign and Commonwelath Office said. “However, the majority of airport offices in Tripoli are closed until further notice,” the FCO warned.
“We advise British nationals who wish to leave Libya but cannot purchase tickets online to travel to the airport carrying sufficient cash to buy tickets. Problems with internet connections in Libya mean that electronic payments may not be accepted.”
The FCO said it continued to recommend against all but essential travel to the country and those without a pressing need to remain should leave.