Judge Gaddafi by actions: UK PM

Cameron has reacted to the Libyan government's offer of a ceasefire by saying he would judge Gaddafi 'by his actions not his words'

Cameron has reacted to the Libyan government's offer of a ceasefire by saying he would judge Gaddafi 'by his actions not his words'

UK Prime Minister David Cameron has said warplanes were being deployed to help protect the Libyan people from "brutal" attacks by the Gaddafi regime.

A joint UK, US and French operation is to be launched after the UN backed a resolution authorising a no-fly zone.


People hold a banner bearing pictures of victims in Libya during a protest against Gaddafi's regime in front of the European Union Commission headquarters in Brussels yesterday

In response, the Libyan regime said it was calling an immediate ceasefire.

Libyan foreign minister, Mussa Kussa, said the country would abide by the UN resolution, stop "all military operations" in order to "protect civilians" and was prepared to allow UN observers into the country to verify its compliance.

Giving his reaction to the Libyan government announcement, Cameron said, "We will judge him by his actions not his words.

"What is absolutely clear is the UN Security Council resolution said he must stop what he is doing, brutalising his people. If not, all necessary measures can follow to make him stop."

A French foreign ministry spokesman said his government was "very cautious" about the ceasefire commitment as "the threat on the ground" in Libya had not changed.

While not giving specific details of military preparations, Cameron said the UK would "play its part" in enforcing the will of the international community.

He had earlier called on the Libyan leader to comply with a UN resolution agreed on Thursday calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to attacks on civilians - and that if he did not so action would begin on an "appropriate timescale".

Asked whether the UN agreement endorsed regime change in Libya, he said he continued to believe the country had no future with Muammer Gaddafi in power and this was widely shared by the UK's allies.

Cameron, who will meet with French President Nicolas Sarkozy and leaders of Arab countries in Paris today, said MPs would vote on the UK's involvement in potential military action on Monday and would have access to a summary of Attorney General Dominic Grieve's legal advice before doing so.

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Number of victims slain by Gaddafi forces in the town of Misrata yesterday

Ceasefire, a hoax
Rebel reports from Libya say pro-Gaddafi forces continue assaults, despite a declared ceasefire. Gaddafi jets have been bombing two small desert towns held by rebellious Berbers, and Gaddafi artillery has continued to fire shells on the rebel-held city of Misrata some 200 kilometres east of Tripoli.