Brit ministers to hold join urgent UN talks over Libya’s humanitarian situation
April 18th, 2011 - 6:41 pm ICT by ANI
London, Apr 17 (ANI): British ministers would reportedly hold a join urgent United Nations talks over the “great concern” of humanitarian situation in Libya, today.
One of the important aspects of the discussion would be the fate of the rebel-held town of Misurata, which has been under attack for more than five weeks, The Telegraph reports.
British Prime Minister David Cameron has ruled out invading Libya against a UN mandate, amid concerns that the forces of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi were using cluster bombs to gain control over rebel strongholds.
However, he acknowledged that the constraints on ground forces were making the mission more difficult and that the allied forces were not able to “fully determine the outcome.”
International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell would reportedly travel to New York to discuss the deteriorating humanitarian situation with aid bodies, after it was reported that thousands of people are trapped in Misurata and other towns following more than a month of fighting.
“Reports from within Libya indicate that the humanitarian situation in certain areas in western Libya, where international agencies have no access, is dire,” the Department for International Development said.
It also said that approximately 300 civilians had been killed and a further 1,000 injured in Misurata since late February.
The United Nations is concerned that consumption of untreated water from wells could lead to outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
Mitchell, who wants to secure better access for the relief effort there, said: “The humanitarian situation in Misurata is of great concern. The international community should be ready to respond, and that is why I will be meeting with the United Nations to ensure we have the right support in place.”
“It is vital that we continue to get help, such as food, water or medical supplies, through to people. Humanitarian agencies must be given free and unfettered access to Misurata and other areas affected by fighting,” he added. (ANI)
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- Clashes continue as Gaddafi vows to recapture Misurata (Lead) - Mar 18, 2011
- UN's Ban: Libya situation is grave, requires global effort - Apr 14, 2011
- UN chief wants full access for humanitarian aid in Libya - Apr 07, 2011
- Spanish parliament votes to extend Libya operations - Apr 19, 2011
- NATO halts Gaddafi boats laying mines outside Misurata - Apr 30, 2011
- Gaddafi forces using schoolboy conscripts to regain Misurata - Apr 16, 2011
- Gaddafi confident of defeating Libyan rebels by Friday - Mar 17, 2011
- UK military personnel heading to Libya - Apr 20, 2011
- West bombs Libya, Gaddafi vows 'long drawn war' (Roundup) - Mar 20, 2011
- Libyan rebels ready to approach UN for Western air strikes - Mar 02, 2011
- Fierce fighting keeps Libya on the edge (Lead) - Mar 07, 2011
- Coalition forces 'strike Gaddafi's home town' : Libyan state TV - Mar 27, 2011
- No current plans to provide Libyan rebels with weapons: Rudd - Mar 31, 2011
Tags: allied forces, andrew mitchell, british ministers, british prime minister, civilians, cluster bombs, colonel muammar gaddafi, david cameron, humanitarian agencies, humanitarian situation, libya, medical supplies, minister david, misurata, muammar gaddafi, relief effort, strongholds, telegraph reports, untreated water, waterborne diseases