Unless Gaddafi is toppled, he will inflict “bloody reprisals” on the Libyan
people, the former prime minister said. Other Middle Eastern leaders would
also be encouraged to continue to repress their people.
He spoke as Western leaders continued to debate their response to the growing
violence in Libya, where Col Gaddafi’s forces were yesterday making
significant gains against opposition groups.
Sir John also backed William Hague as a “superb” foreign secretary, amid
continued Conservative criticisms of his performance in the job.
Sir John speaks frequently to David Cameron, advising the Prime Minister on
issues including the Middle East, where he travels frequently on business.
European Union and Nato leaders will meet today to continue discussing their
response to the Libyan crisis, but there is still no sign of an
international consensus on military action.
Nicolas Sarkozy of France is proposing “targeted airstrikes” on Gaddafi’s
forces, but other EU leaders, including Mr Cameron are wary of the plan.
In a Sky News interview, Sir John said that failing to take decisive action
would harm the credibility of the international community.
“I wonder firstly what that does for the prestige of the rest of the world,”
he said. “I wonder what that does to encourage other would-be dictators to
believe they can act in the same sort of way elsewhere.”
“And I wonder how we would feel if nothing is done when we see the extent and
the scale of the reprisals that this vengeful man will undoubtedly enact
afterwards.”
Mr Hague has recently faced criticism from MPs over his handling of the Libyan
crisis and his general approach to his job, with some suggesting he lacks
the necessary commitment and energy for the post.
But Sir John said: “Mr Hague is extremely well regarded in many parts of the
world and I think he will continue to be a superb foreign secretary. He has
experience, gravitas and dispassion in his judgement which are great
qualities in a foreign secretary.
Mr Hague has been criticised for this week’s failed SAS and MI6 mission to
rebel-held eastern Libya, but Sir John said the critics were wrong.
“For every mission you hear about there are a large number that are successful
and they have done a superb job,” he said.
“The reality is that there were some administrative mistakes but I think
people would be very cautious to be too critical.”
No comments:
Post a Comment