Asia-Pacific

Get out of Libya now: Australian FM

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-02-26 15:06

CANBERRA - Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd on Saturday said Libya is in a state of effective civil war and any Australians remaining in the country need to get out now.

"The country has degenerated into effective civil war and this is of grave concern in terms of the wellbeing of Australians," he told Sky News on Saturday.

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"We have made arrangements with British and other governments for charter flights leaving Tripoli today. We urge all Australians to make their way to Tripoli airport by first light to get on charter flights."

According to Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), 35 Australians plus the Consul-General and two consular staff were currently registered as still being in Libya.

Earlier this week, 17 Australians have departed Tripoli of Libya for Malta on board two ferries.

A DFAT spokesman told Australia Associated Press that the consular staffs are continue to try to contact six Australians they have not yet been able to reach, including two Australians being detained.

The spokesman added that efforts to contact Australians in Libya have been hampered by disruptions to local communications networks.

Meanwhile, Rudd paid tribute to the work of Australia's diplomatic representatives in Libya, saying that they have done an extraordinary and courageous job in a very violent environment.