Audio By Carbonatix
South African President Jacob Zuma is heading for Libya for what is being seen as a last attempt to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.
It is unclear if the visit, Mr Zuma's second, will focus on exit strategies for leader Col Muammar Gaddafi.
Rebels fighting Col Gaddafi's forces since February have refused to negotiate unless he steps down.
Meanwhile Mr Zuma's ruling African National Congress has condemned the Nato bombing of Libya.
"We... join the continent and all peace loving people of the world in condemning the continuing aerial bombardments of Libya by Western forces," the ANC said in a statement on the eve of the visit.
Nato imposed a no-fly zone in Libya in March as Col Gaddafi's forces threatened to overrun rebel-held parts of the country.
International pressure on Col Gaddafi continues to grow, with the G8 calling for his departure on Friday and Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev saying on Saturday that he no longer had the right to lead Libya.
The rebels welcomed the G8 statement.
"The entire world has reached a consensus that Col Gaddafi and his regime have not only lost their legitimacy but also their credibility," said rebel leader Mustafa Abdul Jalil in a statement.
Attack helicopters
Mr Zuma's Monday visit was part of efforts by the African Union to persuade Libya to adopt political reforms needed to end the crisis, said his spokesman Zizi Kodwa.
But one source at his office, who refused to be named, told AFP news agency the purpose of the visit was to discuss an exit strategy for Col Gaddafi.
Mr Zuma's visit comes days after the UK and France announced they were sending attack helicopters to join the Nato effort, as the alliance attempts to break the deadlock which has left the rebels in control of eastern Libya and the government running most of the west.
The UK has also said it could use "bunker busting" bombs, capable of penetrating reinforced buildings, in a matter of hours in Libya.
"We are not trying to physically target individuals in Gaddafi's inner circle on whom he relies but we are certainly sending them increasingly loud messages," said Defence Secretary Liam Fox.
UN Security Council Resolution 1973 authorised air strikes to protect Libyan civilians from attacks by forces loyal to Col Gaddafi.
The UN vote followed the violent suppression of protests against Col Gaddafi's regime, and military strikes against his forces in support of the rebels, which began on 19 March.
Source: BBC
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
GIZ, Zoomlion and Blue Skies launch InnoWaste Project to create jobs and tackle plastic waste in Ghana
5 minutes -
‘The emotional journey is difficult, but you don’t stop’ – Antoine Semenyo’s mother on diaspora struggle
10 minutes -
‘Football in Ghana is about blood and legacy’ – Antoine Semenyo’s mother urges diaspora parents
20 minutes -
QNET, Manchester City bring world-class football coaching to Ghana’s young talent
21 minutes -
Emma Ankrah: Between quiet questions and the will to continue
24 minutes -
Ghana’s economy shows strong recovery after “inherited crisis” – Ato Forson tells Parliament
26 minutes -
No further IMF financial bailout will be required in the foreseeable future – Finance Minister
27 minutes -
Learning from Ukraine, Hezbollah is now using fibre-optic drones to hit Israel
27 minutes -
Teenager arrested at Senya Beraku for alleged defilement of 15-year-old girl
28 minutes -
Ghana has moved from IMF ‘supplicant’ to partner – Ato Forson declares as economy surges past $100 Billion
30 minutes -
“Ghana has moved from ICU to wellness center” — Finance Minister declares economic recovery
51 minutes -
Ato Forson highlights “turning point” in economic recovery strategy
55 minutes -
NACSA Seminar: Gender Minister demands an increased role for women to end gun violence
1 hour -
Full text: Statement on Ghana’s new engagement with IMF
1 hour -
US trade mission to visit Ghana
2 hours