Britain is to join forces with France and Lebanon in a fresh attempt to isolate Muammar Gaddafi by drawing up a new United Nations security council resolution that would include a threat to impose a no-fly zone over Libya and a toughening of measures against the use of mercenaries.
William Hague declared that the "point of decision" on military intervention in Libya is approaching, as the prime minister warned that "time is of the essence" as the Gaddafi regime tightens its grip. In a statement to MPs, David Cameron said the world would send a "dreadful signal" if the Libyan protesters were crushed.
He asked: "Do we want a situation where a failed, pariah state festers on Europe's southern border, potentially threatening our security, pushing people across the Mediterranean and creating a more dangerous and uncertain world for Britain and for all our allies, as well as for the people of Libya? My answer is clear: this is not in Britain's interests. And that is why Britain will remain at the forefront of Europe in leading the response to this crisis."
Britain is working with France and Lebanon, the current Arab representative on the UN security council, to draw up a fresh resolution outlining the next measures to isolate Gaddafi. This could include:
• The option of a no-fly zone.
• Tougher measures against mercenaries, naming Mali, Chad and other African countries, which have been the source of soldiers used by the regime. Cameron said: "We should be sending the clearest possible message to those in Mali, in Chad and elsewhere who are thinking of volunteering as mercenaries. We should put into the next UN resolution the strongest possible language about mercenaries."
• Strengthening sanctions against the Gaddafi regime. Cameron is keen to toughen the policing of the UN arms embargo because Britain believes Gaddafi is re-arming. "There are signs that he is seeking additional armaments right now," Cameron said. But the arms embargo will not allow rebel forces to be armed.
• Re-directing proceeds of state-oil companies away from the Gaddafi regime to the Libyan people, allowing funds to go to rebel groups.
Cameron is keen to quicken the diplomatic pace because No 10 fears Gaddafi is regaining the upper hand, including in rebel strongholds in the east. But officials say that Britain and France need to move cautiously at the UN to avoid a veto from Russia and China.
Britain has been encouraged that Lebanon, which is the current Arab representative on the UN security council, is leading the push for a fresh UN security council resolution. The Arab League and the Gulf Co-operation Council have called for a no-fly zone.
Cameron was disappointed that European leaders failed to give clearer support for a no-fly zone at an emergency European summit in Brussels last Friday. In a compromise statement they agreed to "examine all necessary options" if three conditions are met:
• A "demonstrable need" which would be triggered if Gaddafi launched attacks on civilians from the air.
• A clear legal basis. It is assumed this would be a UN security resolution, though legal authority could be provided by the Geneva conventions if Gaddafi is found guilty of war crimes.
• Support from the region. Britain believes the support from the Arab League and the Gulf Co-operation Council means this conditions has been met.
Hague showed Britain's support for a no-fly zone. "We are now reaching a point of decision, very clearly, on what happens next," the foreign secretary told the Today programme. "Clearly a no-fly zone is one of the leading propositions. It isn't the answer to everything but it has been called for by the Arab League and is something which the international community must now consider."
