Arab foreign ministers called on the Libyan leadership on Wednesday to stop the violent suppression of protesters in the country and respect the legitimate rights of the people.
Arab foreign ministers are meeting on Wednesday at the headquarters of the Arab League on Tahrir Square in central Cairo, the site of a recent revolution in Egypt, to discuss the wave of recent uprisings across North Africa and the Middle East.
"The Libyan authorities have to take the courageous decision to stop violence in the country and show respect for the legitimate rights of the people," Iraqi foreign minister Hoshiyar Zibari said.
The ministers also held a minute's of silence in memory of those killed in recent protests.
The international community has condemned the violence by Libyan authorities that reportedly killed up to 2,000 people in clashes between protesters and Gaddafi's supporters.
Inspired by revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt, Libyans have been holding demonstrations calling for an end to Gaddafi's 42-year authoritarian rule since February 15.
CAIRO, February 2 (RIA Novosti)
