Reply #64: Libyan rebels receiving anti-tank weapons from Qatar [View All]

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Source: The Guardian

Libyan rebels receiving anti-tank weapons from Qatar


Officials in Doha confirm Qatar has been secretly supplying French-made missiles to Libyan rebel stronghold of Benghazi


Ian Black in Doha
guardian.co.uk, Thursday 14 April 2011 12.29 BST



Qatar is secretly supplying anti-tank weapons to the Libyan rebels as part of its strategy of working to overthrow the Gaddafi regime, it has emerged. Officials in Doha confirmed that the Gulf state's military had been shipping French-made Milan missiles to the rebel stronghold of Benghazi.


Qatar's prime minister and foreign minister, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem, made clear on Wednesday that UN resolutions on Libya permitted the supply of "defensive weapons" to opposition forces struggling to fight Libyan armour.


Qatari government officials were tight-lipped about the deliveries, which are being organised by the joint chiefs of staff and probably made by sea. "We need to send the Libyans equipment so they can defend themselves and get on with their lives," one senior source said. "These are civilians who have had to become fighters because of the situation."


Britain's foreign secretary, William Hague, and colleagues from the 21-nation Libya contact group endorsed Qatar's position. Hague insisted the UK would supply only non-lethal equipment. France's view is similar but both countries – which are leading Nato air strikes in Libya – accept that arming the rebels is legal.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/14/libya-rebels-weapons-qatar