A political settlement to the Libya conflict is "beginning to take shape," French Prime Minister Francois Fillon told parliament Tuesday.
A political settlement to the
Libya
conflict is "beginning to take shape," French Prime Minister Francois
Fillon told parliament Tuesday.
"A political solution in
Libya
is
more indispensable than ever and it is beginning to take shape," he said,
as lawmakers debated prolonging
France
's
role in the bombing campaign against Libyan ruler Moamer Gadhafi's regime.
Under the French constitution, parliamentary approval is needed to extend an
overseas military engagement beyond four months. French lawmakers were expected
to do so after the opposition indicated it would agree to an extension.
The lower house was due to vote later Tuesday, followed by the senate.
Fillon urged them to approve a continuation of the mission, saying the
situation there "has not ceased to evolve in the right direction"
since the campaign against the regime started March 19.
"Our cause is just. That is why the government and parliament do not
flinch from their responsibilities," he said.
France
was
the first foreign power to formally recognize the leaders of Libyan rebel
movement as legitimate representatives of their country.
France
said
Monday it has had indirect contact with Gadhafi's regime with a view to
negotiating his departure from power, which it says is a condition for any
ceasefire.
"We never said or thought that the intervention in
Libya
was
going to be easy and end after a few days," Fillon said Tuesday.
"Everywhere, free Libyans are gaining ground. It is now Gadhafi, whose air
force and navy have been almost completely destroyed, who is feeling the
squeeze."
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