Thursday 5 May 2011

Libya: Contact group creates fund for rebels


Libyan rebel fighter at Ajdabiya, eastern Libya - 3 May 2011 Libya's rebels say they need more money to keep fighting Col Muammar Gaddafi's forces
The international contact group on Libya has agreed to create a temporary fund to assist rebel groups, during talks in Rome.
French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe says the fund should be operational within weeks.
The group of Nato countries, Arab states and other nations are discussing ways to increase pressure on Col Muammar Gaddafi.
Meanwhile, a ship evacuating people from Misrata has arrived in Benghazi.
Urgent request Speaking in Rome, Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said the creation of a new financial mechanism would "permit funds to be channelled effectively and transparently" to the rebels.
He said further details would be announced at the meeting later on Thursday.
The move followed an urgent request from the rebels, based in the eastern city of Benghazi.
The rebels' Transitional National Council says it needs $2bn-$3bn (£1.2bn-£1.8bn) in the coming months for military salaries, food, medicine and other basic supplies.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague insisted that any financial assistance to the rebels would not be spent on weapons.Continued

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