Cameron rules out UK’s ‘occupying army’ role in Libya
April 22nd, 2011 - 4:40 pm ICT by ANI
London, Apr 22(ANI): British Prime Minister David Cameron has insisted that there is no prospect of his country’s forces becoming part of an “occupying army” in Libya.
Lawmakers have expressed alarm at the announcement that British forces were being sent to Libya to support rebels who have struggled against dictator Muammar al-Gaddafi.
“We’re not allowed, rightly, to have an invading army, or an occupying army,” the Independent quoted Cameron, as saying.
“That’s not what we want, that’s not what the Libyans want, that’s not what the world wants,” he added.
Earlier, British Defence Secretary Liam Fox had compared the crisis in Libya to the war in Afghanistan, opening the United Kingdom to the prospect of a decade-long battle to oust Gaddafi.
“The situation is not that different from what’s happening in Afghanistan, where we’ve decided that training up security forces so that the Afghans themselves can look after their security is the best way forward,” Fox had said.
“The best way in which we can assist the Libyan rebels is to give them some technical capabilities in how to organize themselves,” he had added.
British forces have been deployed in Afghanistan since 2001, and ministers have said their role there will last until at least 2015. (ANI)
- British Defence Secretary compares Libyan crisis to protractedAfghan conflict - Apr 21, 2011
- Italy to send military instructors to help Libyan rebels - Apr 21, 2011
- Anti-Gaddafi forces claim of being offered to negotiate terms over dictator's departure - Mar 09, 2011
- Cameron proposal to arm Libyan rebels shot down, UK armed forces in downsizing mode - Mar 02, 2011
- Cameron rules out invading Libya over fears of alienating Arabs - Apr 18, 2011
- 'France, Britain to continue military operation in Libya' - Sep 16, 2011
- It will be "unwise" for allied forces to try to kill Gaddafi: Gates - Mar 21, 2011
- Sarkozy to visit Libya after Gaddafi's capture - Aug 26, 2011
- Gaddafi's fate to be decided by Libyans: Britain - Jul 26, 2011
- William Hague says UK might accept Gaddafi going into exile to end Libyan crisis - Mar 30, 2011
- UK military personnel heading to Libya - Apr 20, 2011
- Britain to continue Libya operation - Jun 26, 2011
- International coalition divided over goals, exit strategy for Libya - Mar 25, 2011
- Gaddafi's "eyes and ears" air force no longer exists as a fighting force: RAF commander - Mar 24, 2011
- David Cameron welcomes Gaddafi's death - Oct 21, 2011
Tags: afghans, army, british defence secretary, british prime minister, david cameron, decade, dictator, lawmakers, liam fox, libya, libyans, london, minister david, muammar al gaddafi, rebels, security forces, technical capabilities, united kingdom, war in afghanistan