GADDAFI DUCKS Mad Dog's ceasefire ruse

On high alert ... RAF Tornados have been readied for action

 

 

 

 

SCHEMING tyrant Colonel Gaddafi ducked and dived yesterday as he tried to stave off the world's fury with a wicked ruse.

As RAF Tornados were readied for action, the Libyan Mad Dog, declared a ceasefire in his war on the rebel uprising.

Video: PM statement on Gaddafi

DAVID CAMERON updates Commons on role UK will play in Libya

• Sky News

But at the same time his troops carried on shelling rebels in Misrata. Ambulances were blown up and 25 were killed, including two young girls.
Gaddafi's forces were also reported to be advancing on Benghazi. Clashes erupted 30 miles from the rebel "capital".
David Cameron warned Gaddafi the world would not be conned. The PM said: "We will judge him by his actions, not his words."

Defiant ... Mad Dog Gaddafi

Meanwhile, world leaders issued Gaddafi with a new ultimatum last night - as the first British warplane arrived in the southern Mediterranean.
The PM joined US president Barack Obama and French leader Nicolas Sarkozy to lay down FIVE conditions the 67-year-old dictator must meet to avoid military intervention in strife-torn Libya.
But late last night it appeared Gaddafi was ignoring the warning.
Despite announcing a "ceasefire" earlier, his forces were reported to be advancing on rebel stronghold Benghazi.
In a demand backed by Arab states, the three leaders told the Libyan Mad Dog to:
HALT all attacks on civilians.
STOP the assault on Benghazi.
PULL his troops back from onslaughts on rebels in Adjadbiya, Misrata and Zawiyah.
RESTORE water, electricity and gas to all areas, and ALLOW in humanitarian assistance for the people of Libya.
In a joint statement, the trio told Gaddafi the terms were "not negotiable".
And they said if he did not comply, Thursday night's UN Security Council resolution to prevent a mass slaughter of rebels would be "enforced through military action".

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Battle-ready ... click to see breakdown of British, UN, and Libyan armed forces

It was also made clear to Gaddafi that he could not stay in power. Mr Cameron declared: "Gaddafi must go. He has no legitimacy. I don't think Libya has any future with Gaddafi in charge." President Obama warned: "Now, once more, Muammar Gaddafi has a choice. If he does not comply with the resolution, the international community will impose consequences."

World leaders ... David Cameron, Barack Obama and Nicolas Sarkozy

An RAF Sentinel spy plane touched down at the British base in Akrotiri, Cyprus, yesterday to begin mapping out Libyan targets for air strikes.
A dozen senior officers also arrived to command a mission codenamed Operation Ellamy.
RAF Typhoon fighters and Tornado bombers will follow today. And direct sorties from the UK to blast Gaddafi's radar systems and missile sites are being planned.
Defence chiefs across Nato are assembling the broadest airborne force seen since the 1991 Gulf War.

Bombed ... rebellion targeted in Ras Lanuf

Barcroft Media

Nine nations have offered military assets so far. They include Canada, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Poland and Spain, with at least two Arab nations considering joining in. While no invasion plans have been drawn up, Downing Street made it clear ground troops had not been ruled out. Only a long-term occupation of Libya has been vetoed.
Mr Cameron insisted the action was not about regime change in Libya.
He declared: "The UN resolution is about protecting lives and stopping slaughter. It's up to the Libyan people to choose their government. Is this going to be another Iraq? No."
The PM said Britain was taking a leading role in the mission because of "our ideals as well as our interests". He added: "As well as stopping the slaughter, it is crucial not to allow Libya to sink back into a pariah state."

Take-off ... Tornado leaves RAF Lossiemouth yesterday

Mr Cameron is heading to Paris today for a summit with Arab leaders and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Mr Obama said America would not lead the operation. But after a fortnight of US dithering, tensions began to surface.
Mrs Clinton said she would not serve under Mr Obama for a second term. A source close to her said: "She is not happy dealing with a president who can't decide if today is Tuesday or Wednesday."