Gaddafi calls on international powers to end 'barbaric' attacks AFP |

AFP | Mar 29, 2011, 12.21pm IST

 

TRIPOLI: Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi called for an end to the "barbaric offensive" against Libyain a letter addressed to international powers meeting in London Tuesday to discuss his nation's future. 

In the letter, addressed to the "contact group" of nations meeting to map out a post-Gaddafi future for Libya, the strongman likened the NATO-led air strikes to military campaigns launched by Adolf Hitler during World War II. 

The campaign was launched more than a week ago by Britain, France and the United States to enforce a UN no-fly zone on Libya and to protect civilians under attack by Gaddafi's forces. 

More than 35 countries, including seven Arab states, are meeting Tuesday in London as rebels, emboldened by the air strikes, closed in on the key city of Sirte as they advanced against Gaddafi's forces. 

Britain, France, Germany and the United States had agreed that the London talks should aid "the political transition in Libya," said a French presidency statement.