Libyan envoy to India resigns in protest against demo?

New Delhi, Feb 21 (PTI) Libyan Ambassador to India Alial-Essawi has reportedly resigned in protest against hisgovernment''s violent crackdown on demonstrators.

Hours after BBC reported that Libyan envoy to India hasresigned, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao refused to confirmthe same and said "as far as I am aware, he has not got intouch with us on any issue concerning his stay here. I haveseen the reports relating to his resignation."

She also expressed "deep concern" over the situation inLibya, saying government was monitoring the situation in thecountry but has not taken any decision on whether to evacuatethe Indians living there.

"We are concerned about the developments in Libya...Thesituation in Benghazi is of particular concern to us becausewe have a number of Indian citizens there. Our Embassy inTripoli is in touch with these people. We have been monitoringthe situation," she said.

Nearly 200 people have been killed in brutal crackdownagainst protesters demanding an end to Muammar Gadhafi''s41-year rule.

"We have not taken any decision on evacuation yet. Butwe will obviously monitor the situation and take whateversteps necessary to deal with it.

Rao said a control room in the External Affairs Ministryhas already been set up with a telephone number to enable thepeople in Libya to get in touch with the government here. PTIJD MPB PYK