France has become the first NATO country to openly acknowledge arming the rebels seeking to topple Gaddafi, who has so far resisted a three-month-old bombing campaign that has strained alliance and rebel firepower. In response to allegations in Le Figaro, the French defence ministry said it parachuted weapons and ammunition early this month to rebels fighting about 100km south of Tripoli.
Asked during a visit to Vienna if NATO was involved in the French move, alliance chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen said: "No." Asked whether he knew of any other countries aiding the rebels in this way, he said: "No, I have no information."
But he said NATO had "successfully implemented" the UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution on Libya, the no fly zone, the arms embargo and also the effective protection of civilians in the North African country.
France has defended its move, saying it did not break the UN arms embargo because the arms were needed to defend civilians under threat.
Rasmussen added: "As regards compliance with the UNSC resolution, it is for the UN sanctions committee to determine that."
NATO Watch Director Ian Davis said, “There appears to be no legal basis for this apparently unilateral action by France, which further heightens tensions within the alliance over conduct of the campaign”. He added, “NATO's mission should be confined to its mandate to protect civilians”.
The British government said that it has only provided police equipment to the rebels.
Meanwhile, African leaders seeking to mediate the Libyan conflict adopted proposals for a political solution to the crisis which included humanitarian aspects, a ceasefire, an inclusive and consensual transition and political reforms. Libyan rebels have rejected the plan unless Gaddafi steps down.