Gadaffi should hand over power to the people: UK

Muammar Gaddafi should hand over power to a Libyan government which recognises aspirations of the masses, Britain has said, asking his regime to 'immediately stop' the use of armed forces on its civilians.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said in a statement, "Given the continued levels of illegitimate violence within Libya, we call upon Colonel Gaddafi to put an immediate stop to the use of armed forces against the Libyan people."

"He must hand over power without delay to a government which fully recognises legitimate aspirations of the Libyan people," he said. The UK reiterates its support for the transition to a government that will deliver greater democracy, justice, transparency, human rights and accountability in Libya.

"We understand the desire of Libyans to enjoy the freedom that has been denied to them for many years, and support them in this endeavour," he added.