Libya | France moving faster to impose 'no-fly' zone

France, who is host to a meeting for eight foreign ministers, said it was consulting other powers to try to set up a no-fly zone with the specific scope of assuring the protection of civilians "in the face of the terrible violence suffered by the Libyan population."

The Arab League's weekend call on the U.N. to impose such a zone appeared to satisfy one of three conditions set by NATO for it to police Libyan air space -- regional approval. The others were proof that its help is needed, and a U.N. Security Council resolution.

News of humanitarian suffering or atrocities could persuade more powers that help is needed and also spur the Security Council into action. But while Human Rights Watch has reported a wave of arbitrary arrests and disappearances in Tripoli, hard evidence is so far largely lacking.

Reuters news agency reported rebel spokesman Essam Gheriani saying: "Everyone here is puzzled as to how many casualties the international community judges to be enough for them to help. Maybe we should start committing suicide to reach the required number."

 "It is shameful," he said. "We are hoping today for some development such as a resolution" at the Security Council.

Meanwhile, Libyan planes have bombed Ajdabiyah, the only sizeable town between the frontline around Brega and the rebel stronghold of Benghazi. From Ajdabiyah there are roads to Benghazi and also Tobruk, which could allow Gaddafi's troops to encircle Benghazi.

Government tanks and planes have proved more than a match for the lightly armed, but determined rebel force.

Gaddafi has vowed to "bury" the rebels, regained control of the oil terminal town of Brega on Sunday in what looked like an increasingly confident drive towards the rebel stronghold Benghazi. But the rebels said they had re-taken Brega later at night. There was no way of verifying the rival claims