Ex-PM Cameron to blame for Britain's flawed Libya intervention: lawmakers

Ex-PM Cameron to blame for Britain's flawed Libya intervention: lawmakers

PanARMENIAN.Net - Britain's 2011 military intervention in Libya, ordered by former prime minister David Cameron, relied on flawed intelligence and hastened the North African country's political and economic collapse, lawmakers said on Wednesday, September 14 in a damning report, Reuters said.

Britain and France led international efforts to help oust Libya's then-leader Muammar Gaddafi in early 2011, using fighter jets to beat back Gaddafi's armies and allow rebels to topple the longtime dictator.

But Libya has since suffered years of chaos. Islamic State has gained a foothold, former rebels still fight over territory and people smugglers have set up a huge operation, sending tens of thousands on the perilous sea journey to Europe.

Cameron, who ran Britain from 2010 until July, had a "decisive" role in the decision to intervene and must bear the responsibility for Britain's role in the crisis in Libya, a report produced by parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee said.

"The UK’s actions in Libya were part of an ill-conceived intervention, the results of which are still playing out today," said committee chairman Crispin Blunt, a member of Cameron's Conservative party.

"UK policy in Libya before and since the intervention of March 2011 was founded on erroneous assumptions and an incomplete understanding of the country and the situation."

The committee's statement said the "ultimate responsibility rests with David Cameron's leadership".

Earlier this year, U.S. President Barack Obama said European allies had become distracted from the Libyan crisis after the intervention. Obama's office later said he had not intended to be critical of Cameron.

Cameron stepped down as prime minister after losing a referendum to keep Britain in the European Union, and on Monday resigned as a member of parliament saying he did not want to become a distraction for his successor Theresa May.

The report said his government failed to identify from intelligence reports that the threat to civilians was overstated and that the rebels included a significant Islamist element.

The post-intervention response was also lacking, it said.

 Top stories
Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive.
In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million).
The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot".
The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.
Partner news
---