Africa supports Russia as mediator in Libya

The African Union (AU) yesterday announced its support for Russia as a mediator in the crisis in Libya, on the same day NATO member countries and six partner countries agreed to extend the military campaign in Libya for another 90 days.

“Anyone who can contribute to a solution to the situation in Libya is welcome. If Russia can find a solution, they are also welcome,” said Jean Ping, head of the African Union Commission (AUC).

However, Mr. Ping also affirmed that Africa will still play a key role in finding a way out of the Libyan crisis.

NATO announced yesterday that it would extend its military campaign in Libya for another 90 days.

The AU made the statement on the same day NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen announced the decision of the Brussels-based alliance and its partners - four Arab states and Sweden - to extend the operation in Libya "to send a clear message to Mr. Gadhafi".

“We are determined to continue our operation to protect the Libyan people. We will maintain our efforts to complete the UN mission. We will increase the pressure until the mission is completed,” said the NATO Secretary General.

Also yesterday, a UN commission investigating the conflict in Libya said both forces loyal to Mr Gadhafi and those against him had committed war crimes.

The UN report said that “the crimes committed by pro-Gadhafi forces were so serious that they could be considered crimes against humanity, while the violations committed by the rebels were not so serious or widespread as to be considered crimes against humanity.”

Last month, the international court in The Hague issued arrest warrants for Mr Gadhafi, one of his sons and his intelligence chief on charges of “crimes against humanity”. The Libyan government has ignored the warrants and says the court has no jurisdiction over Libya.

According to Dan Tri