Over 35 countries confirmed for London meeting on Libya

LONDON: Foreign ministers from more than 35 countries have so far confirmed they will attend a London conference Tuesday to discuss coalition military action against Libya, Britain said.

"US Secretary of State (Hillary) Clinton and the foreign ministers of over 35 other countries have already confirmed attendance," said the Foreign Office in a statement Sunday.

The meeting would "forge a wide group looking at long-term support" and "begin to support a new political future for Libya" where rebels were winning back ground against Moamer Qadhafi's forces after coalition air strikes.

"It is vital that we learn the lessons of the past and ensure early and coordinated international planning for the long term," the statement added.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of continuing uncertainty about the mission's aims.

The Foreign Office also said that African Union Commission chairman Jean Ping would be at the conference. London has already announced that UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Qatari Prime Minister Hamed bin Jassem will attend.

All countries that have contributed militarily to the UN resolution which approved "all necessary measures" to protect civilians in Libya would attend the meeting, said the Foreign Office.

Those that are considering doing so will also be there.

The conference was aimed at demonstrating "the international community’s unity of purpose, bringing together a broad grouping of countries committed to a better future for the people of Libya," said the Foreign Office.

It would also "send an unequivocal message on behalf of the international community that we will continue to implement (the UN resolution), including protecting the civilian population from violent attack," it added.

Britain has invited its NATO allies, the Arab League, African Union and regional countries to the conference.

Coalition military action in Libya began on March 19 after the UN Security Council resolution was passed.