1 of 4 | Libyans participate in a candlelight vigil to show solidarity with the people of Misrata and Tripoli, in the rebel stronghold of Benghazi on May 4, 2011. UPI\Tarek Alhuony. |
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WASHINGTON, May 5 (UPI) -- Washington is offering $6.5 million to help get migrants and those wounded by the conflict in Libya out of the country, the U.S. State Department said.
Western forces are enforcing a no-fly zone over Libya billed as a humanitarian operation meant to protect civilians from attacks by forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi. The International Criminal Court announced Wednesday it was calling for the arrest of three unnamed Libyan officials for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The State Department said it was making $6.5 million available to the International Organization for Migration to help evacuate people from Misurata.
"We urge the Gadhafi regime to cease hostilities in Misurata port and to allow the International Organization for Migration and other organizations to provide much needed relief and evacuation services to civilians caught up in the Libyan conflict," said State Department spokesman Mark Toner in a statement.
Western allies met Thursday in Italy to consider how best to support rebels fighting against Gadhafi forces in Libya. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said during meetings with her Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini that aid to the rebel-backed Transitional National Council of Libya was at the top of the agenda.
"Clearly on our agenda is looking for the most effective ways to deliver financial assistance and other means of supporting and helping the TNC opposition," Clinton said.
