Harper arrives in Paris for summit on Libya, as CF-18s join no-fly zone effort

By

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen has arrive in Paris for an emergency summit on the crisis in Libya.

Harper left Friday evening for Paris where he will join the leaders of France, Britain, the Arab League and the United Nations for talks on the international intervention in Libya, and to talk about the no-fly zone over Libya.

Harper committed six fighter jets on Friday to help enforce a no-fly zone over Libya, despite Moammar Gadhafi’s surprise ceasefire declaration.

The fighter aircraft, along with refuelling and strategic airlift aircraft and approximately 140 pilots and support personnel, have started deploying from CFB Bagotville, said a statement from Defence Minister Peter MacKay issued on Friday.

The fighters will be able to begin operations in the coming days, the statement added.

The fighters are to operate from bases in Italy.

The UN Security Council approved a resolution on Thursday imposing a no-fly zone over Libya in an effort to protect rebels and civilians from attacks by forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Ghadafi.

Ghadafi announced a ceasefire on Friday and invited international monitors to provide verification.

Harper said Gadhafi’s ceasefire announcement is welcome, but the international community must maintain a credible threat against a resumption of fighting.

The move is aimed at grounding Libya’s air force to stop Gadhafi’s air attacks on rebels and civilians.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today