Might is right
Addressing opinion-formers at Chatham House, including former ambassador in Libya Sir Richard Dalton, Mr Burt discussed his own contacts with eyewitnesses of abuses committed by the regime of Col Muammar al-Gaddafi and outlined work to assess what Libya will need ahead of a political settlement.
Later he said: "It is important we maintain a genuine dialogue with civil society. Having the opportunity to engage with experts as well as hearing first-hand accounts of life in Libya has deepened my conviction the international community is absolutely right to be protecting the Libyan people from the Gaddafi regime."