World powers agree to set up contact group to map out Libya's future

World leaders meeting in London have agreed to to set up a contact group to lead international efforts to map out Libya's future, William Hague, the Foreign Secretary, has said

"Participants of the conference agreed to establish the Libya Contact Group," said a statement issued by Mr Hague, who chaired Tuesday's meeting of more than 35 countries plus the UN and Nato.

"Qatar has agreed to convene the first meeting of the group as soon as possible," the statement said.

The group will provide "leadership and overall political direction to the international effort in close co-ordination with the UN (United Nations), AU (African Union), Arab League, OIC (Organisation of the Islamic Conference) and EU (European Union) to support Libya."

The London conference was called to map out Libya's future following the fighting between forces loyal to the country's leader, Muammar Gaddafi, and rebels opposed to his four-decade rule.

Britain, France and the United States had launched military strikes on Libya ten days ago to implement UN Security Council resolution 1973, which called for a ceasefire and no-fly zone to protect civilians in Libya.

Mr Hague's statement said those at the London conference "agreed that Gaddafi and his regime have completely lost legitimacy and will be held accountable for their actions."

It noted that the UN Security Council had "laid out very clear conditions that must be met, including the establishment of an immediate ceasefire, a halt to all attacks on civilians and full humanitarian access to those in need."

"Participants agreed to continue their efforts until all conditions are fulfilled," the statement said. "The Libyan regime will be judged by its actions and not its words."

It added that participants were committed to the "sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Libya", amid allegations from Tripoli that western powers were trying to divide the country.