Libya

The resolution of the United Nations that there should be a no-fly zone for the regime’s warplanes was one that should have been supported because if Gaddafi had the capability he could well have liquidated his opposition in Benghazi.

In fact, what has happened has been far in excess of the resolution because Nato fighter aircraft have attacked installations and troops on the ground. Now they are involved in what increasingly looks like a civil war providing air support to the rebels.

The resolution is being stretched to its breaking point, and if there really is a determination to bring about regime change it is difficult to see how this will be accomplished without troops on the ground.

I join all those who want to see this ending in a democracy where the voice of the Libyan people is heard.

However, it puzzles me how the Nato powers see their present actions arriving at this conclusion.

As I write this, President Zuma of South Africa is trying to broker a way out of the conundrum because, unless Colonel Gaddafi is assassinated, at the present time he has nowhere to go It is possible there will be a civil war with Nato taking one side, and the destruction and loss of life will go on for some time to come.

I cannot see how the terms of the UN resolution authorising limited international action will be adhered to.

I suspect that an increasing number of our MPs will feel uneasy about what is going on.

I am sure that if the public were asked they would show no enthusiasm about what is being done in their name.

Geoffrey Bulmer, Billingham.