Britain deploys top diplomat to Libya

Libia: British Foreign Minister William Hague on Saturday met leaders of rebels fighting to oust Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi after NATO deployed attack helicopters for the first time.

Russia's top diplomat, meanwhile, warned that the NATO military operation in Libya was "sliding towards" a land campaign as warplanes again blasted the capital Tripoli.

"We are here today for one principal reason - to show our support for the Libyan people and for the National Transitional Council, the legitimate representative of the Libyan people," Hague said in a statement.

Hague, accompanied by international development minister Andrew Mitchell, held talks with chief of the rebel National Transitional Council Mustafa al-Jalil.

He also toured Benghazi's landmark seafront as well as a medical centre treating war wounded. "Kadhafi should leave immediately," Hague said. He told reporters Britain would also support demining efforts in Misrata, the main rebel-held city in western Libya, and deliver "more equipment, uniforms, bullet-proof jackets" to rebel fighters.

AFP