Britain and other NATO states have sought to stem the smuggling of
thousands of missiles and other weapons from the arsenal of Col. Moammar
Gadhafi. Officials said NATO was concerned that the weapons were being
acquired by Al Qaida's network in North Africa.
British Defence Secretary Liam Fox said his government would relay nearly
$1 million to prevent the spread of missiles and other weapons from Libya, Middle East Newsline reported.
Fox traveled to Libya on Oct. 9 and met National Transitional Council
chairman Mustafa Abdul Jalil and Defense Minister Jalal Al Digheily.
"I am delighted to be making my first visit to Libya, and to have the
opportunity to discuss with chairman Jalil how the United Kingdom can
continue to provide assistance in the long term, particularly in terms of
support with counter-proliferation expertise and transition to a stable
future," Fox said.
During his talks, Fox discussed ways to organize Libya's post-Gadhafi
military and institute non-proliferation measures. The defense chief said
Britain was sending advisers to develop the North African military as it was
closing in on the last strongholds of Gadhafi.
"I am incredibly proud of all the personnel of the British armed forces
who were involved and I would like to reiterate my thanks to them for
achieving what they have," Fox said.
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