German churches slam western Libya policy

Berlin, April 24, IRNA -- Germany's Protestant and Catholic Churches on Saturday lashed out at the western military strategy in Libya, saying greater focus should be placed on diplomatic efforts in resolving the north African conflict.

The Archbishop of the south German city of Bamberg Ludwig Schick said the West had 'to develop a peace initiative' in Libya rather than pursing a 'war strategy.'

He urged the Europeans and Americans to reconsider plans to supply weapons to Libyan rebels. Schick's remarks were partially echoed by the head of the Protestant Church, Nikolaus Schneider who called on Germany to assume a leading diplomatic role in settling the Libyan military conflict.

'Germany has to do its utmost so that the international community can negotiate with (Libyan ruler Moammar) Qadhafi,' Schneider told the daily Hamburger Abendblatt.

Schneider slammed the contradictory western policy in Libya by first having business ties with the Qadhafi regime for many years and now trying to oust the Libyan dictator.

The top Protestant cleric openly questioned whether the West had even an exit strategy in the Libyan war./end