Doha meet on Libya reveals rifts

Gaddafi and his regime has lost all legitimacy and he must leave power allowing the Libyan people to determine their future, a final statement obtained by Reuters said. The group said the rebel national council,In contrast with the current regime … is a legitimate interlocutor,representing the aspirations of the Libyan people.

The group also agreed to provide material support for the rebels. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani appeared to suggest the Gulf nation could consider supplying arms,telling reporters material support could include all the other needs,including defence equipment.

While there was agreement in Doha on the principle of removing Gaddafi,there were divisions over how to proceed. British Foreign Secretary William Hague called for more alliance members to join attacks on ground targets and his French counterpart,Alain Juppe,called for heavier military pressure.

But Belgian Foreign Minister Steven Vanackere said the March 17 UN resolution authorising NATO action in Libya to protect civilians from Gaddafis government forces ruled out arming civilians and he saw no need to boost air power there.

Rebel spokesman Mahmud Awad Shammam said the national council took a positive view of an initiative by Muslim NATO member Turkey,which initially opposed military action,for a peaceful transition in Libya. But he added,They have to say the magic word that Gaddafi must go.

Moussa Koussa,a former Libyan foreign minister,was in Doha on the sidelines of the contact group talks to meet the rebels.