Britain will avoid mistakes made in Iraq, says Clegg

People celebrate the recent news of uprising in Tripoli. Photo / AP

Britain's Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, was to promise in a speech today that in a post-Gaddafi Libya, Britain will avoid the mistakes made in Iraq after the removal of Saddam Hussein.

Unlike in 2003, the nations intervening in the Libyan conflict are aware of the problems that will follow the fall of the dictator after four decades in power, he said.

Clegg was expected to tell an audience at the British Council today: "The decision to support military intervention in Libya was not one the UK took lightly, particularly not by those of us who opposed the invasion of Iraq, but was, and remains, necessary, legal and right.

"We went to Libya with a clear humanitarian mandate. And tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of lives have been saved since. Clearly the situation is changing by the minute. Free Libya forces are making progress. Gaddafi's propaganda machine has been dealt a serious blow and his inner circle are abandoning him, one by one."

And despite signs of infighting within the opposition, the Deputy Prime Minister again voiced Britain's support for the rebel Transitional National Council.

"The [rebel] council is increasingly articulating a vision for a strong, stable, post-Gaddafi Libya, preparations for which are underway," Clegg will tell the British Council audience.

"We are determined to learn the lesson of Iraq - no matter where you are in the conflict, you should already be planning for the peace."

He will also promise that the freedom movements in Tunisia and Egypt will get continued support from the UK.

Clegg was expected to say: "It is increasingly common to hear what was once hailed the Arab Spring now compared to a long, uncomfortable Arab summer. The truth is: we cannot be certain exactly how things will pan out, but the direction of travel is set.

"Youth, technology, a lack of opportunity and inclusion - factors which have collided to create citizens who want more, who know more, who aspire to more but who are denied it at every turn, this year that tension has hit boiling point.

"I want to make it absolutely clear: the UK will not turn its back on the millions of citizens of Arab states looking to open up their societies, looking for a better life."

Meanwhile, the Syrian President has said he is "not worried" about security in his country and warned against any foreign military action against his regime.

Bashar al-Assad's speech came as he continued to face international condemnation for his security forces' crackdown on dissent.

Assad's interview with state-run television followed a call by the United States and its European allies for him to step down, and came hours after a diplomat said Assad's regime was "scrubbing blood off the streets" ahead of a UN visit.

"I am not worried about the security situation right now, we can say the security situation is better," Assad said, in his fourth public appearance since the revolt against his family's 40-year rule erupted in mid-March.

In a now-familiar refrain, Assad promised imminent reforms, including parliamentary elections by February, but insisted the unrest was being driven by a foreign conspiracy.

Assad warned against Libya-style military intervention, saying "any military action against Syria will bring repercussions that [the West] cannot tolerate."

-Independent, AP