Libyan rebels are attending an international conference in Qatar in their bid for greater assistance to oust Col. Muammar Gaddafi. It is the first high-profile meeting between the rebels and the international “contact group” on Libya since the uprising began. The rebels have rejected an African Union mediation proposal because it did not call for Gaddafi’s immediate removal. Heavy clashes continue in the fight for control of the Libyan city of Misurata. NATO General Mark van Uhm said international air strikes are helping the rebels but that the violence will continue.

Gen. Mark van Uhm: “We know we are having an effect. Pro-Gaddafi forces cannot fight where they want, they cannot fight how they want, and they cannot use the weapons they want. Nothing indicates, however, that Gaddafi has any intention of disengaging from operations.”