This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28616843

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
British embassy in Libya to 'suspend operations' British embassy in Libya to 'suspend operations'
(35 minutes later)
The UK is to temporarily close its embassy in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, because of worsening violence.The UK is to temporarily close its embassy in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, because of worsening violence.
The Foreign Office, which has urged Britons to leave the country immediately, said consular assistance would not be available from Monday.The Foreign Office, which has urged Britons to leave the country immediately, said consular assistance would not be available from Monday.
Ambassador Michael Aron described the situation as "very sad" and said staff would return to the embassy "as soon as security allows".Ambassador Michael Aron described the situation as "very sad" and said staff would return to the embassy "as soon as security allows".
Arrangements are being made to help British nationals leave Libya.Arrangements are being made to help British nationals leave Libya.
The country has been gripped by instability since the uprising in 2011. The country has been gripped by instability and a power struggle among rival groups since the overthrow of former leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
More than 200 people have been killed in Tripoli and Benghazi in the past two weeks. More than 200 people have been killed in Tripoli and the eastern city of Benghazi in the past two weeks.
Thousands of protesters took to the streets of the two cities on Friday to denounce militias who have been fighting Libyan armed forces.Thousands of protesters took to the streets of the two cities on Friday to denounce militias who have been fighting Libyan armed forces.
'Risk too great' The Foreign Office said a limited number of commercial flights were still leaving Libya but warned flight schedules could change without notice.
Commercial flights are still leaving Libya but the Foreign Office (FCO) warned flight schedules could change without notice. On Wednesday, British Airways suspended flights to and from Tripoli up to and including 5 August because of the security situation at the country's main international airport.
On Wednesday, British Airways suspended flights to and from Tripoli up to and including 5 August due to the security situation at the country's main international airport. The area has seen fighting throughout the past three weeks as rival militias - one established by the outgoing parliament and one controlled by the defence ministry - battle for control of the facility.
The FCO is advising against all travel to Libya. One of the British embassy's compounds is in this area.
Mr Aron tweeted: "Reluctantly we've decided we have to leave & temporarily suspend Embassy operations in #Libya. We will be back as soon as security allows." Timeline: Libya after Gaddafi
February 2011: Arrest of human rights campaigner sparks protests
March-August 2011: Rebels backed by Nato air attacks capture large parts of Libya
October 2011: Col Gaddafi is captured and killed. The main opposition group, the National Transitional Council (NTC), declares Libya officially liberated
January 2012: Clashes erupt between former rebel forces in Benghazi. Following months see continuing instability as rival militias battle for power and resources in both east and west Libya
September 2012: US ambassador is killed when armed men storm US consulate in Benghazi
November 2012: New government led by liberal figure Ali Zeidan sworn in
May 2013: Government offices besieged by militiamen
August 2013: Rebels begin months-long blockade of oil terminals
October 2013: PM Ali Zeidan briefly abducted by militiamen
November 2013: Libyan army clashes with Islamist fighters
February 2014: Protests break out after Libyan parliament refuses to disband itself after its mandate expires
March 2014: PM Ali Zeidan is sacked by parliament
June 2014: New parliament elected. Due to hold first meeting this month
Full timeline
Six days ago, the Foreign Office said Britons should leave Libya immediately because of growing instability and advised against all travel there.
On Friday, the Foreign Office repeated its advice for Britons to leave "due to the more intense and more widespread fighting in Tripoli, and greater instability throughout Libya".
Mr Aron tweeted on Saturday: "Reluctantly we've decided we have to leave & temporarily suspend Embassy operations in #Libya. We will be back as soon as security allows."
He added: "Fighting has spread to where we live in Suraj and the risk of getting caught in the crossfire is too great. Very sad."He added: "Fighting has spread to where we live in Suraj and the risk of getting caught in the crossfire is too great. Very sad."
Mr Aron said on Twitter that a temporary office would be set up in Tunisia. Mr Aron said a temporary office would be set up in Tunisia.
A FCO spokesman said: "Due to the more intense and more widespread fighting in Tripoli, and greater instability throughout Libya, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against all travel to Libya.
"British nationals in Libya are strongly urged to leave immediately by commercial means."
He would not comment on Mr Aron's statement about the move to Tunisia.
Most western countries have now withdrawn diplomats from Libya.Most western countries have now withdrawn diplomats from Libya.
Are you in Libya? Have you been affected by the recent violence? You can email your experiences to haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.Are you in Libya? Have you been affected by the recent violence? You can email your experiences to haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.