UK: Diplomatic team leaves Libya after problems

A small British diplomatic team sent to Benghazi in eastern Libya to initiate contacts with the rebel-backed opposition, and that "experienced difficulties" there, have now left the county, UK foreign secretary William Hague said on Sunday.

"We intend, in consultation with the opposition, to send a further team to strengthen our dialogue in due course. This diplomatic effort is part of the UK's wider work on Libya, including our ongoing humanitarian support," he said in a statement. "We continue to press for Gaddafi to step down and we will work with the international community to support the legitimate ambitions of the Libyan people," he added. (Reuters)