Cameron spells out Libya role

British Prime Minister David Cameron yesterday ruled out committing UK ground troops to Libya, saying it was important to adhere to a UN mandate and not to take action that might alienate the Arab world. 

"What we've said is that there is no question of invasion or an occupation - this is not about Britain putting boots on the ground. That is not what we're about here," he told Sky News when asked about military help to Libyan rebels being stepped up.
He said the Western alliance's mission was clear: to enforce a no-fly zone and use air power to destroy Muammar Gaddafi's tanks and artillery, which are being used to kill civilians.
"We are very clear on the issue of sticking to the terms of the UN Security Council resolution. We must support the Arab world," he said.
UN resolution 1973, which established the no-fly zone, authorises alliance forces to take "all necessary measures" to protect civilians, but prohibits "a foreign occupation force of any form on any part of Libyan territory".
Cameron said that, short of committing ground troops, the alliance would help in every other way to stop Gaddafi "unleashing this hell on people in Misrata" and other towns along the Libyan coast.
Cameron repeated that Gaddafi had to go.
"There is no doubt in my mind that Gaddafi is still intent on murdering people in Misrata, taking control of the city and pushing towards Benghazi. I'm sure that if he got there, there would be a bloodbath," he said.
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