UK to expel five Libyan diplomats

UK to expel five Libyan diplomats

2011-03-30 20:48:56 GMT+7 (ICT)

LONDON (BNO NEWS) -- British Foreign Secretary William Hague on Wednesday announced that the United Kingdom (UK) will be expelling five Libyan diplomats, who "pose a threat to our security."

Speaking to the House of Commons, Hague underlined "our grave concern at the regime's behavior," and announced that the UK had taken steps to expel five diplomats at the Libyan Embassy in London, including the military attaché. 

"The government also judged that were these individuals to remain in Britain, they could pose a threat to our security," Hague said, adding that the UK remains strongly committed to supporting the International Criminal Court in its investigations into crimes in Libya and ensuring that "there is no impunity for barbaric acts against the Libyan people."

Hague's announcement comes after British Prime Minister Dave Cameron did not rule out the possibility of arming Libyan rebels fighting Qadhafi troops.

Currently, there are 16 countries participating in coalition operations in Libya, including more than 340 planes from 14 nations and vessels from 10 nations supporting the arms embargo.

Hague also confirmed that UK forces have undertaken over 160 aerial missions over Libya since operations began, in addition to missile strikes.

"We are continuing to target the military hardware that Qadhafi is using to kill his own people," Hague stated.

Over the weekend, Hague said, in addition to patrolling the No Fly Zone, Royal Air Force aircraft destroyed a number of main battle tanks and armored vehicles near Misrata, as well as an ammunition storage facility store near Sebha early on Monday morning.

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