By IRNA,
Berlin : The German government here Wednesday has ruled out for now arming Libyan rebels in their bid to oust Libyan dictator Colonel Moammar Qadhafi.
Speaking at a routine weekly press briefing, deputy government spokesman Christoph Steegmans said the issue of arms deliveries to Libyan opposition fighters was not on the agenda yet, saying it was only a ‘hypothetical question.’
Steegmanns’ comments were underscored by foreign ministry spokesman Stefan Bredohl who pointed to UN Resolutions 1970 and 1973 which include a comprehensive arms embargo.
A number of Germany’s NATO allies, notably the US and Britain, have left open the possibility of arming Libyan rebels.
NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen questioned whether the UN resolution would allow the arming of Libyan rebels.
He said reportedly the task was not arming people but protecting them.
Berlin has strongly opposed the western military mission in Libya.