Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini (Photo:Reuters)
Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini on Friday urged the population of Tripoli to rise up against Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime as rebel forces continued to advance on the embattled capital.
"We hope the people of Tripoli, who unfortunately are already fleeing, understand the regime has harmed its own people and will therefore join a process of political change to cut off room for manoeuvre for Gaddafi's regime," he said.
"The military results on the ground are clear to everyone. The defections from the regime are increasing by the day and the opposition to the regime is advancing towards Tripoli," Frattini told news channel SkyTG24.
Libya's former colonial master, Italy enjoyed close economic and diplomatic ties with Gaddafi before the start of protests against the regime.
It has since allowed the use of its air bases for NATO-led military operations and has taken an active part in air strikes and a naval embargo.
Italy was one of the first countries to recognise the rebels in April.
The International Organization for Migration on Friday has warned that thousands of migrant workers are seeking to leave Tripoli, as rebels attempt to sever the city's supply lines and spark an uprising against Gaddafi there.
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