US not to send military advisers to Libya: Hillary Clinton

Washington, April 21: While backing a move by three European countries to despatch military advisers to help Libyan rebels, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today (April 21) said that US will not be sending any military personnel to the war torn North African state.

"There is a desire to help them be more organised and we support that. We're not participating in it", Clinton said asserting that Washington was preparing to grant non-lethal aid of USD 25 million to the Libyan opposition.

"We are moving to authorise up to USD 25 million in non-lethal commodities and services to support the Transitional National Council and our efforts to protect civilians", she said.

But appearing in an interview on PBS, Clinton responded with a "no" when asked if US would follow its allies UK, France and Italy to send military advisers to Libya.

The White House had earlier said President Barack Obama backed the three countries decision saying it would help opposition to battle Gaddafi's forces.

"But it doesn't at all change the President's policy of no boots on the ground", White House Spokesman Jay Carney said.

Disagreeing with assessments that the battle in Libya had reached a stalemate, the Secretary of State said US policy was to head towards a point where a political resolution was possible, but without the strongman Muammar Gaddafi.

The special US representative on Libya Chris Stevens who is in Benghazi, as well as a USAID team are meeting continuously with their counterparts there in order to support their needs and protect civilians, Clinton said.

PTI