Britain summons Libyan Ambassador to condemn violence, demand reform

Britain summons Libyan Ambassador to condemn violence, demand reform

2011-02-21 20:14:40 GMT+7 (ICT)

LONDON (BNO NEWS) -- Britain on Monday said it summoned the Libyan Ambassador to London to convey the violence used by Libyan security forces against anti-government protesters.

Foreign Secretary William Hague said Britain is "gravely concerned" about the situation in Libya which he called "deplorable and unacceptable." He said the UK Foreign Office summoned the Libyan Ambassador to convey "in the strongest terms" its "absolute condemnation" of the use of lethal force against protesters.

According to the most recent estimates by Human Rights Watch, at least 233 people have died in four days of protests in cities across Libya. But the actual figures are believed to be much higher. Al Jazeera reported that at least 300 people died in the Libyan city of Benghazi alone over the past five days.

"The world is watching Libya, with mounting concern," Hague said. "The Libyan Government should be in no doubt that it will be held accountable by the international community for its actions."

Britain said it is calling for an immediate end to the violence and killings of protesters, amid reports that even snipers are being used to kill demonstrators. "Britain is calling for [..] all parties to act in a restrained and humane manner," Hague said.

Hague further demands a full investigation into the events and a commitment that those responsible for the violence will be held accountable. He also demanded political and economic reform, access for international human rights monitors, and the lifting of restrictions on the internet and media, as well as an end to the intimidation and detention of journalists.

"I am about to meet other [European Union] Foreign Ministers. I will be calling for a clear signal to the Libyan Government that it must act in accordance with universal norms of human rights and the rule of law and address the legitimate grievances of the Libyan people. Whether and how it does this will condition its future relationship with all of the EU," Hague said.

He added: "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 responsibly for the safety of its people."

Parts of the Arab world in North Africa have been thrown into chaos amid massive widespread protests against their governments, resulting in revolutions in Tunisia and most recently Egypt. A combined total of nearly 1,000 people have been killed in protests in various countries.

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