Libyan diplomats expelled

British Foreign Secretary William Hague has confirmed that all remaining Libyan diplomats have been told to leave the UK.

Speaking at a press conference in London on Wednesday, Hague said Britain no longer recognized embassy staff loyal to the Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi as representatives of the Libyan government.

He said Britain would invite Libya's National Transitional Council (NTC) to take over the Libyan embassy, and described the rebel opposition as the "sole governmental authority" in Libya.

"We will deal with the NTC," said Hague, "as other governments around the world."

Libyan Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Kaaim said the move by Britain was "irresponsible and illegal," and was in violation of both UK and international law. He added Libya would challenge the decision before tribunals in Britain and in international courts.

Deal off

That comes as the NTC noted the expiration of a conditional offer that would have allowed Gadhafi to remain in Libya if he relinquished power to the rebel council.

Under the deal, Gadhafi's residence would have been chosen by "the Libyan people" and he would have been under "close supervision," NTC chief Mustafa Mohamed Abdel Jalil told reporters in the eastern city of Benghazi.

"The period of this proposal has passed," he said. "We cannot ignore the fact that the people who have been standing against him want him out."

He added that it was "disappointing and unexplainable that the NTC has received a counter-proposal stating that the council, being the representative of the Libyan people, should share responsibilities of government of Libya with the Gadhafi regime."

Threat to increase military offensive

NATO has meanwhile warned it would bomb civilian facilities in Libya if forces loyal to Gadhafi continued to use them to launch attacks.

Alliance military spokesman Colonel Roland Lavoie said in Brussels that "Gadhafi forces are increasingly occupying facilities which once had a civilian purpose."

"The regime has transformed them into military installations," Lavoie said.

In London, Foreign Secretary Hague reiterated the need for the military offensive against Gadhafi, saying "what we're doing in Libya is necessary, legal and right."

He pledged support for the Libyan people "for as long as it takes."

Author: Zulfikar Abbany, Darren Mara (AFP, Reuters)
Editor: Andreas Illmer, Ben Knight