By ASSOCIATED PRESS

ROME: The Italian foreign minister is calling for the “immediate suspension” of hostilities in Libya to allow for the creation of humanitarian corridors.

Franco Frattini said Wednesday that “the humanitarian end of military operations is essential to allow for immediate aid,” including areas around the opposition’s western stronghold of Misrata and around Tripoli, the Libyan capital and stronghold of Muammar Qaddafi.

The comments to a parliamentary commission were carried by Italian news agencies. He did not elaborate and there was no immediate comment from the Foreign Ministry.

Violence in Libya has spiraled into civil war. A NATO-led bombing campaign that began in March was aimed at protecting civilians under a UN resolution.

Frattini also expressed concern over civilian casualties, referring to “dramatic errors” in the bombing campaign.

“With regard to NATO, it is opportune to ask for more detailed information on results” of the attacks, he said. read more