ID :
172196
Thu, 03/31/2011 - 13:38
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/172196
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No plans to arm Libyan rebels: Rudd
SYDNEY, March 31 (AAP)-Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd says he is not aware of any plans to help arm rebels fighting Muammar Gaddafi's forces in Libya.
However, Mr Rudd has not ruled out using such measures, which he said could come under the broad powers of a United Nations Security Council resolution.
Mr Rudd's comments came as the US continued to consider arming rebels and reports that the CIA had sent small teams of operatives into Libya to help rescue a crew member of a crashed American fighter jet.
It has been reported in the US that President Barack Obama signed a secret order two or three weeks ago authorising covert government support for opposition forces.
Mr Rudd said paragraph four of the UN Security Council resolution authorises participating states to "employ all necessary measures to protect the Libyan people from the threat of attack by the Libyan regime".
"That's a broad-headed power," he told reporters in Perth on Thursday.
Mr Rudd said in the past 24 to 48 hours, opposition forces in Libya had suffered military setbacks with fighting on the ground intensifying.
"This is going to be a difficult and unpredictable war into the weeks ahead," he said.
"Therefore the resolve of the international community must remain firm, to stand behind the Libyan people despite what has been thrown against them by one of the most brutal regimes in the world."
White House press secretary Jay Carney has said no decision has been made about providing arms to the opposition or any groups in Libya.
"We're not ruling it out or ruling it in," Mr Carney said.
Australia is the third-largest contributor to the humanitarian effort in Libya in helping its people with food, medicine, water and emergency accommodation.
However, Mr Rudd has not ruled out using such measures, which he said could come under the broad powers of a United Nations Security Council resolution.
Mr Rudd's comments came as the US continued to consider arming rebels and reports that the CIA had sent small teams of operatives into Libya to help rescue a crew member of a crashed American fighter jet.
It has been reported in the US that President Barack Obama signed a secret order two or three weeks ago authorising covert government support for opposition forces.
Mr Rudd said paragraph four of the UN Security Council resolution authorises participating states to "employ all necessary measures to protect the Libyan people from the threat of attack by the Libyan regime".
"That's a broad-headed power," he told reporters in Perth on Thursday.
Mr Rudd said in the past 24 to 48 hours, opposition forces in Libya had suffered military setbacks with fighting on the ground intensifying.
"This is going to be a difficult and unpredictable war into the weeks ahead," he said.
"Therefore the resolve of the international community must remain firm, to stand behind the Libyan people despite what has been thrown against them by one of the most brutal regimes in the world."
White House press secretary Jay Carney has said no decision has been made about providing arms to the opposition or any groups in Libya.
"We're not ruling it out or ruling it in," Mr Carney said.
Australia is the third-largest contributor to the humanitarian effort in Libya in helping its people with food, medicine, water and emergency accommodation.
