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Monday, March 27, 2023 | 
U.S. & World World & Nation Politics

Libya confirms resignation of FM, now in Britain

By Associated Press
SHARE Libya confirms resignation of FM, now in Britain
Smoke from explosions billows on the road between Ajdabiya and Brega, Libya, as rebels clashed with troops loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, Thursday, March 31, 2011. An important Libyan oil town became a no man's land Thursday as rebels to the east

Smoke from explosions billows on the road between Ajdabiya and Brega, Libya, as rebels clashed with troops loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, Thursday, March 31, 2011. An important Libyan oil town became a no man’s land Thursday as rebels to the east traded rocket and mortar fire with Gadhafi’s forces to the west. (AP Photo)

The Associated Press
1 of 5
A view of the main entrance sign for the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office is seen in central London, Thursday, March, 31, 2011. Britain isn't offering apparently defecting Libyan Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa diplomatic immunity as it seeks to fur

A view of the main entrance sign for the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office is seen in central London, Thursday, March, 31, 2011. Britain isn’t offering apparently defecting Libyan Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa diplomatic immunity as it seeks to further undermine Moammar Gadhafi’s regime. British Foreign Secretary William Hague says the resignation of Moussa Koussa, one of the most senior members of Gadhafi’s government, shows the Libyan leader’s regime is “fragmented, under pressure and crumbling.”

Alastair Grant, Associated Press
2 of 5
The headquarters of the British Secret Intelligence Service or MI6, is seen on the bank of the River Thames in London, Thursday, March, 31, 2011. Britain isn't offering apparently defecting Libyan Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa diplomatic immunity as it s

The headquarters of the British Secret Intelligence Service or MI6, is seen on the bank of the River Thames in London, Thursday, March, 31, 2011. Britain isn’t offering apparently defecting Libyan Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa diplomatic immunity as it seeks to further undermine Moammar Gadhafi’s regime. British Foreign Secretary William Hague says the resignation of Moussa Koussa, one of the most senior members of Gadhafi’s government, shows the Libyan leader’s regime is “fragmented, under pressure and crumbling.”

Alastair Grant, Associated Press
3 of 5
Libyan rebels pray in the road between Ajdabiya and Brega, Libya, Thursday, March 31, 2011. An important Libyan oil town became a no man's land Thursday as rebels to the east traded rocket and mortar fire with Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's forces to the

Libyan rebels pray in the road between Ajdabiya and Brega, Libya, Thursday, March 31, 2011. An important Libyan oil town became a no man’s land Thursday as rebels to the east traded rocket and mortar fire with Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi’s forces to the west. (AP Photo)

The Associated Press
4 of 5
The headquarters of the British Secret Intelligence Service or MI6, is seen on the bank of the River Thames in London, Thursday, March, 31, 2011. Britain isn't offering apparently defecting Libyan Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa diplomatic immunity as it s

The headquarters of the British Secret Intelligence Service or MI6, is seen on the bank of the River Thames in London, Thursday, March, 31, 2011. Britain isn’t offering apparently defecting Libyan Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa diplomatic immunity as it seeks to further undermine Moammar Gadhafi’s regime. British Foreign Secretary William Hague says the resignation of Moussa Koussa, one of the most senior members of Gadhafi’s government, shows the Libyan leader’s regime is “fragmented, under pressure and crumbling.”

Alastair Grant, Associated Press
5 of 5
Smoke from explosions billows on the road between Ajdabiya and Brega, Libya, as rebels clashed with troops loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, Thursday, March 31, 2011. An important Libyan oil town became a no man's land Thursday as rebels to the east
A view of the main entrance sign for the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office is seen in central London, Thursday, March, 31, 2011. Britain isn't offering apparently defecting Libyan Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa diplomatic immunity as it seeks to fur
The headquarters of the British Secret Intelligence Service or MI6, is seen on the bank of the River Thames in London, Thursday, March, 31, 2011. Britain isn't offering apparently defecting Libyan Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa diplomatic immunity as it s
Libyan rebels pray in the road between Ajdabiya and Brega, Libya, Thursday, March 31, 2011. An important Libyan oil town became a no man's land Thursday as rebels to the east traded rocket and mortar fire with Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's forces to the
The headquarters of the British Secret Intelligence Service or MI6, is seen on the bank of the River Thames in London, Thursday, March, 31, 2011. Britain isn't offering apparently defecting Libyan Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa diplomatic immunity as it s

TRIPOLI, Libya — The Libyan government has conceded that Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa has resigned but says the regime still enjoys the support of his people.

Koussa's defection to London has been hailed by the rebels as a sign that Moammar Gadhafi's regime is cracking at the highest levels. But government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said Thursday that Koussa's decision was personal and "other people will step in and do the job."

Ibrahim says Koussa had been given permission to go to Tunisia because he was sick with diabetes and high blood pressure. He says the regime didn't know he would go to London.

Koussa arrived in Britain Wednesday on a flight from Tunisia.

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