Clinton in Europe for sanctions talks

Hillary Clinton was flying to Geneva last night for talks with European foreign ministers and diplomats from the Middle East and Africa in an attempt to further co-ordinate the international response to the crisis in Libya.

The UN Security Council unanimously imposed what Washington claimed were "biting sanctions" on Saturday, including travel bans and asset freezes on Col Gaddafi and his family.

The resolution adopted by the 15-nation council also called for the immediate referral of the crackdown to the International Criminal Court in The Hague for investigation and possible prosecution.

Washington is also considering a "no-fly" zone to try to stop Col Gaddafi's suppression of anti-government protests. Yesterday both Clinton and President Barack Obama toughened their rhetoric against Col Gaddafi saying he must depart now.

In London, David Cameron, the Prime Minister, called on Col Gaddafi to "go now," while the Foreign Secretary, William Hague, who will also attend the Geneva talks, said the international community was not prepared to negotiate. "Clearly we're not going to get into a negotiation with Col Gaddafi. He must go." He added: "Throughout these crises in Egypt and Tunisia we've been careful to say it's the people of these countries who must own the solution. But the people of Libya have risen up against Col Gaddafi."

Mr Hague also said that he had signed a directive revoking the diplomatic immunity of Col Gaddafi and his family in Britain.

US officials said Mrs Clinton's trip is aimed at coordinating the international response, insisting that the world "speak with one voice" on stemming the violence and bringing Col Gaddafi to justice.

The Obama administration had been criticised by human rights groups for moving too slowly on Libya. But White House officials said fears for the safety of Americans in the country had tempered Washington's response to the turmoil.

In a statement on Saturday, Mrs Clinton said the US was working to mobilize a strong and unified response from the international community, and echoed Mr Obama's demand for Col Gaddafi to step down. "We are also working with partners to determine how to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need," she said.