Greece: Government Aids Evacuations From Libya

A Greek government official said Thursday that a merchant vessel had been chartered by the Chinese government for the evacuation of hundreds of its citizens, but gave no further details. The official asked not to be named because details of the operation were still being completed. According to the Greek Defense Ministry and other government officials, Greece is also sending a navy frigate to pick up its embassy staff members as well as about 70 Greeks and dozens of others from China, Cyprus, Britain and Malta after their governments requested help. The evacuations have been prompted by clashes between rival militias in Libya resulting in the worst violence since the civil war three years ago. After weeks of fighting, nearly 100 people have been killed, 400 people have been wounded and much of the Tripoli airport has been destroyed.