Germany has again blocked Anglo-French plans for the imposition of a no-fly zone over Libya.

Reports from talks held by G8 ministers in Paris said German objections, backed by Russia, meant the communique from the meeting would make no mention of a no-fly zone.

Speaking during the meeting, Germany's foreign minister, Guido Westerwelle, said his country remained "very sceptical" about the prospect of a no-fly zone.

He recommended instead more "political pressure" against the Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi. He said Germany did not want "to get sucked into a war in north Africa".

"We need to send a clear signal … Gaddafi must stop his civil war against his own people, he must be held responsible for his crimes. The security council must take action." But Westerwelle also made clear Germany would not support military intervention.

His comments echoed the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, who told an EU summit last week that the no-fly zone idea was potentially dangerous. "What is our plan if we create a no-fly zone and it doesn't work? Do we send in ground troops?" she said. "We have to think this through. Why should we intervene in Libya when we don't intervene elsewhere?"

The EU summit failed to endorse a no-fly zone. So, too, did a meeting last week of Nato defence ministers.

Earlier, the French foreign minister, Alain Juppé, suggested European countries had left it too late to assist the rebels. He said he had so far been unable to convince G8 colleagues to back a no-fly zone.

"If we had used military force last week to neutralise some airstrips and the several dozen planes that they have, perhaps the reversal taking place to the detriment of the opposition wouldn't have happened," Juppé told Europe-1 radio. "But that's the past. What is happening today shows us that we may have let slip by a chance."

Libya's opposition has appealed for the international community to set up a no-fly zone, warning that "half a million" people could die if Benghazi, the rebel stronghold, fell to Gaddafi's forces. The Arab League has also asked the UN security council to authorise a no-fly zone.

But many countries, including the US, are reluctant to get involved and suggest a no-fly zone would not make much difference on the ground.

The G8 meeting was expected to recommend fresh measures to be included in a possible new UN security council resolution on Libya. They range from tighter sanctions and a maritime blockade to the threat of a no-fly zone at some future date.

The outcome of the G8 meeting was another blow for British policy. William Hague, the foreign secretary, says the time for decisive action is approaching. He said during Tuesday's talks: "There is a common appetite for further discussion at the UN security council. We are clear here at the G8 that there is a need for further measures, a need to respond urgently." Hague admitted that participants did not see eye to eye on a no-fly zone.

Speaking in the Commons on Monday, David Cameron said a Gaddafi victory could create a pariah state on Europe's doorstep, threatening the interests and security of all EU states.