Libyan FM in Britain, quits post

UK: Libya's Foreign Minister flew into Britain telling officials he no longer wanted to represent the Tripoli regime.

Mussa Kussa arrived at Farnborough Airfield, west of London, Wednesday, a Foreign Office statement said.

"He travelled here under his own free will. He has told us that he is resigning his post," it added.

"Mussa Kussa is one of the most senior figures in Kadhafi's Government and his role was to represent the regime internationally, something that he is no longer willing to do," the British statement continued.

"We encourage those around Kadhafi to abandon him and embrace a better future for Libya that allows political transition and real reform that meets the aspirations of the Libyan people," it concluded.

Kussa arrived after a two-day stay in Tunisia, having entered on Monday by the Ras Jdir border crossing.

Tripoli had officially described it as a "private visit." Then, when he was reported to be on his way to London, the Libyan authorities said he was on a "diplomatic mission".

His departure is just the latest blow to Kadafi's regime.

Several Ministers and senior military officers, have defected since the uprising against his 42-year-rule began more than a month ago. London, Thursday, AFP