An FCO Spokesperson said:

“On 16 March, FCO Permanent Under Secretary Simon Fraser called Libyan Ambassador Omar Jelban to the Foreign Office to discuss the situation in Libya.

“The PUS emphasised the UK’s profound concern about the Libyan regime’s ongoing attacks on civilians and stated that perpetrators of violence against civilians will be held to account. The PUS reiterated that the UK and many others in the international community believe Qadhafi must relinquish power immediately.

“Responding to Libyan criticism about the UK’s engagement with the opposition in Eastern Libya, the PUS was clear that the UK would remain in close contact with a range of groups both inside and outside of the country who we consider to be legitimate political interlocutors.

“The PUS also expressed concern about the continued harassment and detention of journalists in Libya.”