Libya: Arab League voices disquiet over casualties

Published on Sunday 20 March 2011 18:44

A ROW has broken out over claims that coalition air strikes have killed civilians as well as government forces in Libya.

Arab League secretary general Amr Mussa appeared to suggest allied forces had gone beyond the measures to protect civilians called for by his organisation last weekend and authorised by Thursday's UN resolution.

"What has happened in Libya differs from the goal of imposing a no-fly zone," Mr Mussa said. "What we want is the protection of civilians and not bombing other civilians."

The Foreign Office hit back at the claims. "Unlike Gaddafi, the coalition is not attacking civilians," said a spokesman. "The UN resolution authorises all necessary measures to protect the Libyan people.

"For the no-fly zone to be enforced safely, it is necessary to carry out carefully targeted operations against Libyan air defence capabilities.

"All missions are meticulously planned to avoid civilian casualties. We will continue to work with our Arab partners to enforce the resolution."

Meanwhile, reports claimed Colonel Gaddafi had used bodies of rebels his forces had killed as "proof" of civilian casualties of the coalition strikes. Libyan state TV claimed the strikes had killed 48 civilians and injured 150. Col Gaddafi described the attacks as terrorism.

Pope Benedict XVI used his Sunday blessing in the Vatican City to appeal "to those who have the political and military responsibility to take to heart the safety of citizens".