22/08/2011

PM Cuts Short Holiday To Chair Libya Meeting

Prime Minister David Cameron has cut short his holiday to chair a meeting of the National Security Council on Libya.

The Prime Minister returned to London from Cornwall last night as the news broke that rebel forces have now gained control of the vast majority of the capital Tripoli.

Fighting is continuing in the capital and some of its is reported to be extremely fierce. It is also believed that at least two of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's sons, including his eldest son, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, have been captured by rebels.

However, Gaddafi is reported to have thousands of armed followers still in Tripoli.

Commenting on the situation after the meeting, Mr Cameron said: "His (Gaddafi's) regime is falling apart and is in full retreat.

"(Gaddafi) must stop fighting, without conditions - and clearly show that he has given up any claim to control Libya."

The UK, US and France have been calling for Gaddafi to leave power. Downing Street issued a statement, saying that Gaddafi had "committed appalling crimes against the people of Libya and he must go now to avoid any further suffering for his own people", while US President Barack Obama said that Libya was "slipping from the grasp of a tyrant".

Colonel Gaddafi is the longest-serving Arab leader, having been in power for nearly 42 years.

(KMcA/BMcC)

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