Apostolic Vicar in Libya says bombs are not working

(25 March, 2011) According to the apostolic vicar of the Libyan capital of Tripoli, the bombings of pro-Gaddafi targets in the north African nation by European forces are not resolving anything and the international community would do well to turn to the African Union to provide a peaceful solution. Bishop Giovanni Martinelli told Fides news agency the Europeans delude themselves that they can resolve this matter with bombs. Instead he said mediation should be left to African Union, in whose wisdom he has great trust. Last month, protestors in Libya began calling for the ousting of Muammar Gaddafi, the country's leader for 42 years. The protest soon escalated into armed conflict, with Gaddafi controlling Tripoli and the rebel leaders making their headquarters in Benghazi. The U.N. Security Council’s resolution last week authorized the international community to establish a no-fly zone to protect Libyan civilians from Gaddafi’s onslaught. Several countries launched bombing attacks on Libyan military systems in Tripoli and elsewhere. Bishop Martinelli said, "I am not afraid of the bombs, but rather the inability to try and dialogue to find a peaceful solution." He said that war does not solve anything, and urged for an immediate end to bombing and begin mediation straight away to resolve the crisis peacefully.