London makes case for action in Libya

LONDON, March 14 (UPI) -- While nobody is talking about putting boots on the ground in Libya, a no-fly zone over Libya is a real possibility, the British prime minister said Monday.

Leaders from the Arab League during the weekend called for a no-fly zone over Libya. British Prime Minister David Cameron said Monday their calls marked a "very significant step forward," London's Independent newspaper quoted him as saying.

World leaders are at odds over the best course of action in Libya as forces loyal to leader Moammar Gadhafi continue to make gains over rebel forces in the country.

The U.N. Security Council sanctioned the Gadhafi regime for alleged atrocities in the country and referred the case to the International Criminal Court.

Cameron said his administration was considering "various possibilities" in Libya, including supplying weapons to rebel forces.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague told the BBC that the "cleanest" way to get legal backing to impose a no-fly zone would be at the U.N. Security Council.

"In cases of great, overwhelming humanitarian need, then nations are able to act under international law, even without a resolution of the Security Council," he said.

Washington, however, continues to balk over military action though U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is said to be meeting with rebel leaders this week.

Recognizing the reluctance for more war in the Middle East, however, Cameron said that nobody "is talking about invasions or boots on the ground."