Reply #19: Libya Rebels Seek Cease-Fire as U.S. Vows to Withdraw Jets [View All]

[pinboy3niner]

Libya Rebels Seek Cease-Fire as U.S. Vows to Withdraw Jets

April 01, 2011, 9:56 AM EDT

By Zainab Fattah and Tamara Walid


April 1 (Bloomberg) -- Libya’s opposition called for a cease-fire after the U.S. said it’s withdrawing aircraft used to attack Muammar Qaddafi’s forces following adverse weather that prevented strikes allowing Libyan loyalists to push back rebels.

Qaddafi’s fighters must retreat from cities and nearby areas for any cease-fire deal, said Mustafa Abdel Jalil, head of the rebel Interim National Council, in a news conference televised today from their stronghold of Benghazi. He said rebel demands for freedoms must also be met.

The rebels’ move comes one day after Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said U.S. jets, won’t be flying with NATO forces over Libya after April 2. Mullen said planes would be made available only if requested by NATO. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates told Congress the U.S. will “significantly ramp down our commitment” to Libya except for electronic warfare, aerial refueling and surveillance.

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-04-01/libya-rebels-seek-cease-fire-as-u-s-vows-to-withdraw-jets.html