Gaddafi 'days numbered' after top diplomat's departure

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The departure of Libya's foreign minister Mussa Kussa means the Gaddafi regime's "days are numbered," defected immigration minister Ali Errishi told France 24 television on Thursday.

Kussa's arrival in Britain was a "sign that the regime's days are numbered. It is the end... it is a blow to the regime (and) others will follow," said Errishi.

"I always said they are all held hostages in Tripoli. It is amazing how Mr Kussa was able to flee the country," said the ex-minister who himself defected soon after an uprising erupted in Libya in mid-February.

"Gaddafi no longer has anybody. It's just him and his kids."

Kussa arrived at Farnborough Airfield, west of London, from Tunisia on Wednesday, after he travelled "under his own free will," Britain's Foreign Office said, adding: "He has told us that he is resigning his post."

He is credited as having been a key figure in Libya's efforts to improve its international reputation before the current crisis.

The 59-year-old was installed as Gaddafi's foreign minister in March 2009 after having served as the head of Libya's intelligence agency from 1994.

Asked what Britain would question the former top diplomat about, Errishi said: "If there is anything to know, he should be able to know it."

"(He knows) what is going on in Libya, where they get their arms from ... He could be very beneficial and this is an opportunity for Mr Kussa to make up for a lot of bad (things)."