Canadian opposition politicians pushed government make contact with oppostion forces Libya 0803112

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Defense News - The conflict in Libya Day by Day
 

Tuesday, March 08, 2011, 09:29 AM

 

Canadian opposition politicians pushed government to make contact with oppostion forces in Libya

 
 
Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon said he would consider direct diplomatic contact with opposition forces in Libya. Canadian opposition politicians pushed the government Monday to make contact with the Libyan National Council, which has been the political voice of the rebel-held areas in the North African country.
     
Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon said he would consider direct diplomatic contact with opposition forces in Libya. Canadian opposition politicians pushed the government Monday to make contact with the Libyan National Council, which has been the political voice of the rebel-held areas in the North African country.
Opposition forces in Libya
     

Cannon told reporters after speaking to the House of Commons foreign affairs committee that there would be a "great deal of validity" in speaking with the rebels.

"The objective here obviously is to be able to put an end to the violence that's taking place and looking at diplomatic solutions to make sure … Canadians, as well as other foreign nationals, get out of there safely and that we do restore peace."

Liberal foreign affairs critic Bob Rae said earlier Monday that the world needs to isolate Gadhafi so he's forced to step down.

"We need to establish diplomatic contact and contact with the Libyan National Council, have direct contact with them and know what they are doing, and we need to be engaging directly with Arab League and African Union to discuss the further steps we need to take to assist in the defeat and the overthrow of Col. Gadhafi," he said.

CBC News has learned that there are no plans so far to send Canadian ground troops to Libya.

Meanwhile, Canadian frigate HMCS Charlottetown plans to stop at Gibraltar on Wednesday to refuel. It's still unclear what the ship will do when it arrives at the Libyan coast on Friday,March 04, 2011.