Libyan rebels release British diplomatic team

[News_Editor]

Libyan rebels release British diplomatic team

2011-03-07 01:09:05 GMT+7 (ICT)

BENGHAZI, LIBYA (BNO NEWS) -- Libyan opposition rebels have released a British diplomatic team which had gone to the country to make contact with opposition leaders, UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said on Sunday.

Hague said the British diplomatic team went to the second-largest city of Benghazi to initiate contacts with the opposition. Benghazi is believed to be under the control by Libyan opposition rebels amid ongoing fighting between rebels and troops loyal to Libyan leader Gaddafi.

"The team went to Libya to initiate contacts with the opposition. They experienced difficulties, which have now been satisfactorily resolved They have now left Libya," Hague said, without providing other details about the 'difficulties'.

The BBC cited witnesses as saying that the men were detained by rebel forces who are reportedly against outside intervention. Sky News, meanwhile, cited sources as saying that a group of 22 soldiers and one diplomat had been dropped in eastern Libya by helicopter.

"We intend, in consultation with the opposition, to send a further team to strengthen our dialogue in due course. This diplomatic effort is part of the UK's wider work on Libya, including our ongoing humanitarian support," Hague added.

The UK Foreign Secretary reiterated that Gaddafi should step down. "We will work with the international community to support the legitimate ambitions of the Libyan people," he said.

On Wednesday, Hague spoke by telephone to former Libyan Interior Minister and Head of Special Forces General Abdul Fattah Younis al Obidi. Obidi has previously resigned to join the opposition.

Hague and Obidi discussed the situation on the ground in Libya, the impact on Libyan civilians and the provision of international humanitarian assistance to Libya. Obidi asked the Foreign Secretary about planning for a No-Fly Zone, to which he replied that the UK was in the process of contingency planning for all eventualities, including a No-Fly Zone, in close conjunction with its allies.

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