The arrest of a British diplomatic staff in Libya, which entered the country escorted by units of special forces assault (SAS), was a "grave misunderstanding", said today the Foreign Minister of the United Kingdom, William Hague. During a hearing in the House of Commons, Hague has admitted that he personally authorized the operation and explained that the mission was withdrawn yesterday (Sunday) after a serious misunderstanding about its role, which led to his temporary detention.
" The Foreign Secretary pointed out that, after opposition groups in eastern Libya on Saturday formed a national council acting in Benghazi, his department contacted members of the same, that "welcomed positively the idea of a British diplomatic mission in Libya. " "This commitment is vital to get a better understanding of political, military and humanitarian field," said the Minister, who has stated that the uncertainty in Libya recommended the military escort of the diplomatic mission.
In his words, was "to increase the initial contacts and to assess the chances of a diplomatic dialogue." Hague has said that the situation that led to the arrest was determined and that diplomats were finally able to meet with the chairman, Mustafa Abdel-Jalil. However, Hague said that "the best for this team clearly was withdrawn, but the British Government's intention is to send new diplomatic missions in eastern Libya" in due time.
" The Labour opposition has scoffed at the failure of the mission and foreign affairs spokesman, Douglas Alexander, said that what happened is an example of the inability of the government. "I think I speak for many when I say that the news that British diplomatic and military personnel were retained (in Libya) was seen as another setback for the United Kingdom and raised questions about the ability to control and Government's response to the situation that develops in Libya, "said Alexander.
" The Foreign Secretary pointed out that, after opposition groups in eastern Libya on Saturday formed a national council acting in Benghazi, his department contacted members of the same, that "welcomed positively the idea of a British diplomatic mission in Libya. " "This commitment is vital to get a better understanding of political, military and humanitarian field," said the Minister, who has stated that the uncertainty in Libya recommended the military escort of the diplomatic mission.
In his words, was "to increase the initial contacts and to assess the chances of a diplomatic dialogue." Hague has said that the situation that led to the arrest was determined and that diplomats were finally able to meet with the chairman, Mustafa Abdel-Jalil. However, Hague said that "the best for this team clearly was withdrawn, but the British Government's intention is to send new diplomatic missions in eastern Libya" in due time.
" The Labour opposition has scoffed at the failure of the mission and foreign affairs spokesman, Douglas Alexander, said that what happened is an example of the inability of the government. "I think I speak for many when I say that the news that British diplomatic and military personnel were retained (in Libya) was seen as another setback for the United Kingdom and raised questions about the ability to control and Government's response to the situation that develops in Libya, "said Alexander.
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