The exiled crown prince of Libya, whose family was ousted by Moamer Gaddafi four decades ago, Wednesday urged the international community to boost its economic sanctions and military action so the long-time ruler is "squeezed even tighter", dpa reported.
"Just a few months ago, no one envisaged a situation where Gaddafi would not rule Libya," Mohamed al-Senussi said as he met with members of the European Parliament.
"Yet we are now thinking and talking about a transition process to a democratic Libya."
Internationally backed rebels have been fighting for months to oust Gaddafi, who has retained control on the western part of the country, including the capital Tripoli.
NATO has deployed jets over the North African country since March to attack Gaddafi troops and military equipment under a United Nations mandate to protect the Libyan population.
"I would like to thank the UN and NATO for their protection of civilians ... (Gaddafi) only understands one language, the language of force," Senussi said. "But we want more in order to protect innocent people (and) ... to put more pressure on Gaddafi."
The Libyan opposition's representative in Brussels, Ghasm Nagaa, also expressed frustration that NATO has not done more, for instance to target mercenaries recruited by the Gaddafi regime who he said "are left to circulate with a certain freedom."
"Libyans have started doubting the aims of NATO," he added, arguing that there are "hidden hands" within the military alliance.
Senussi sidestepped questions on what more exactly he would like to see the international community do. But he did note that there currently is no support in Libya for a land-based military mission involving international troops.
"I personally support any action that the Libyan people agree to," he said. "At the moment, the situation is very bad and may lead to other decisions being made on this."
Senussi argued that the goal should be to "get rid" of the security forces and mercenaries that he said are doing Gaddafi's bidding, and eventually weaken him enough so that he leaves power.
The rebels have insisted on Gaddafi's departure as a pre-condition for a ceasefire.
Officials from the countries involved in the international military intervention concluded after a meeting in Doha last week that "Gaddafi's continued presence would threaten any resolution of the crisis."
A European Union diplomat said Wednesday the use of the word "continued" indicates that the ruler may at first be involved as part of a political compromise to end the crisis.
"Gaddafi and the regime at one point, which we can't define now, will have to go," the diplomat said in Brussels. "(The phrasing) gives us room for manoeuvre."
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