US Defense Secretary Robert Gates speaks about Libya as he briefs reporters on board a military plane on Sunday en route to St. Petersburg, Russia.
US Defense Secretary Robert Gates has rejected targeting Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi himself as Western forces continue their airstrikes in Tripoli.
Gates repudiated on Sunday earlier remarks by his British counterpart Liam Fox, who suggested killing Gaddafi in the strikes, saying it would be "unwise" to set goals that could contradict provisions set forth in the UN Security Council resolution, AFP reported.
"I think that it's important that we operate within the mandate of the UN Security Council resolution," he stated.
The Pentagon chief, who was speaking on a US military plane en route to Russia, also warned of potential dangers on the battleground if the foreign forces embark on expansion of their goals.
"If we start adding additional objectives, then I think we create a problem in that respect," said Gates, noting that "I also think it's unwise to set as specific goals things that you may or may not be able to achieve."
Elsewhere in his remarks, he stated that the United States would not play a "preeminent role" in military offensive in Libya, with other countries taking the lead.
He made the remarks as the US, Britain and French fighter jets, ships and submarines continued pounding positions of pro-Gaddafi forces with Tomahawk cruise missiles in the eastern city of Benghazi and Tripoli as part of efforts to enforce a no-fly zone over the North African country.
The United States and Britain have said the aerial attacks have been "successful" and the no-fly zone is now "in place."
On Sunday night, Western forces totally destroyed an administrative building of Gaddafi's residence about 50 meters (165 feet) from his tent in Tripoli.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for anti-government forces in Libya said more than 8,000 Libyans and opposition forces have been killed since the onset of the revolution on February 15.
"Our dead and martyrs number more than 8,000 killed," Abdel Hafiz Ghoga said.
HA/AGB/MGH
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