Britain and France pledge support for Libya

Libyan soldiers loyal to the NTC, have attacked Gaddafi's last stronghold city, Sirte. Meanwhile, the leaders of Britain and France vowed full support for Libya's new regime.

TRIPOLI, LIBYA (Catholic Online) - After penetrating 30 miles down the highway and into the center of Sirte, NTC troops withdrew outside the city for the evening. NTC commanders say they do not expect to find Gaddafi there. 

Military officials said they encountered intense opposition from Gaddafi's "mercenaries." Casualties were nearly even with the NTC reporting 11 of their own KIA and 34 wounded. They also claim to have captured 40 Gaddafi loyalists. 

Moving beyond the NATO mission in Libya, British Prime Minister David Cameron pledged British support in finding Gaddafi and bringing him to justice. "Let us be clear," he said. "This is not finished." Later he added that Gaddafi should give himself up and face justice.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy was enthusiastically welcomed into Libya. He also pledged support for the NTC. "We have the Mediterranean in common, we have a common destiny," he said.

While the NTC was hosting the European leaders in Tripoli, fighting erupted anew in southern Libya. Several small towns were attacked and the NTC reported multiple casualties from those battles. They have not announced the outcomes. 

Meanwhile, in the village of Bani Walid, reporters observed families fleeing as the deadline for the town to surrender approached. After more than a week of preparations, NTC troops have threatened to attack the town if it did not surrender peacefully before a Thursday deadline. 

In New York, the UN Security Council circulated a draft resolution that would establish a support mission Libya for an initial period of three months. The mission would enable UN agents to extend NTC authority, protect human rights, and support bringing war criminals to justice. The mission would go further and assist the NTC in getting the country stabilized economically. A vote on the resolution is expected within a few days. 

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