Written question asked by Lord Chidgey (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative) on Wednesday, 18 May 2011.

Libya

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the United Kingdom has established any diplomatic links with the Government of Libya for the purpose of bringing about a ceasefire and the establishment of either a United Nations or European Union stabilisation mission in Libya.

Answer: We maintain diplomatic relations with the Libyan Government. We have used these links to make clear to the regime that it must comply in full with UN Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973, desist from further violence and withdraw military forces to barracks. We co-ordinate closely with our international partners with the objectives of bringing about a ceasefire, helping the people of Libya to plan now for the political future that they want to build, and preparing for post-conflict economic reconstruction. In all contacts with the regime, we have underlined that Gaddafi must go and that we support the Libyan people's yearning for a better future.

Secondary information