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| Africa North |
| British Thwarted Al Qathafi Plot Against NTC Leaders Hague Says |
| 2011-11-19 |
| [Tripoli Post] British foreign secretary William Hague revealed that British intelligence agencies thwarted an liquidation attempt on members of Libya's National Transitional Council by former Libyan leader Muammar Al Qadaffy. ... one of those little rainstorms from the Arab Spring... In a public speech on the work of the British intelligence agencies, which he described as "vital assets" with a "fundamental and indispensable role" in keeping the nation safe, Mr Hague said that after discovering details of the planned attack UK intelligence agencies were able to warn the National Transitional Council in Benghazi. He said the attacks, planned for early spring this year by the head of Libyan intelligence, would have involved a car or suicide bomb. Mr Hague made the disclosure as he praised the work of MI6 and other British intelligence agencies, which include the Secret Intelligence Service, MI6, and the electronic "listening" agency GCHQ. He said he had seen 'daily' examples of how the professionalism of the secret services had saved the lives of Britons. They had also played a vital role in the struggle that toppled the Al Qadaffy regime, he said. Speaking at the foreign office about the bomb plot, Mr Hague said: 'The Al Qadaffy regime tried to attack the National Transitional Council in Benghazi, and to kill some of the Western representatives in Libya. 'He went on to say that the agencies were able to warn the NTC of the threat and the attacks were prevented.' He added: 'We should be proud of Britannia's role in securing intervention in Libya to protect civilians and stop Al Qadaffy from massacring his own people. This diplomatic and military success was also backed by effective intelligence. Mr Hague said that throughout the conflict in Libya, the agencies used their global capabilities to provide insight into the intentions of pro-Al Qadaffy forces and to understand the progress of the battles around Brega, Misrata and finally Tripoli. "They worked to identify key political figures, develop contacts with the emerging opposition and provide political and military intelligence. Most importantly, they saved lives. He also revealed that British nationals had been foiled in a bomb plot to attack this country after they travelled abroad for terrorist training. He also spoke of MI5, MI6 and GCHQ work in helping to defend the UK from cyber attacks by terrorists. He said all three work closely together and with others around the world to safeguard the security and national interests of the UK against those who try to steal our confidential information in cyberspace. At the same time he acknowledged that Britannia's reputation in the world had been damaged by allegations that M15 and M16 officers had bee too close to the former Libyan regime and was involved in the extraordinary rendition of anti-Al Qadaffy activists. He said the Government was determined to tackle the issue, 'The very making of these allegations undermined Britannia's standing in the world as a country that upholds international law and abhors torture,' Mr Hague said. He also strongly defended controversial proposals to hold secret court hearings in civil cases when evidence involving sensitive intelligence material was being discussed, saying that in "exceptional instances". He said said that it was essential the agencies were able to protect their sources and their methods if they were to carry out their work effectively. "A blend of people, technology and partnerships give us an intelligence edge. If our techniques come to light, adversaries benefit and are able to switch techniques and communications resulting in a loss of knowledge about their plans," he said. |
| Posted by:Fred |