"Information
coming via different channels shows that NATO countries,
with the active participation of Britain and the United
States, are developing a plan for a ground operation on
Libyan territory," he said.
"From
all indications, a ground operation will be launched if
the alliance fails to force the Gaddafi regime to capitulate
with air strikes and missile attacks."
If
the events in Libya follow this scenario, the ground operation
could start "in late April-early May," he added.
The
UN Security Council imposed a no-fly zone over Libya on
March 17, allowing "all necessary measures"
to protect civilians from Muammar Gaddafi's attacks on
rebel-held towns.
The
operation to enforce the no-fly zone, codenamed Odyssey
Dawn, is being conducted jointly by 13 states, including
the United States, Britain and France.
Western
warplanes have flown more than 300 sorties over the North
African country and fired 162 Tomahawk missiles in the
UN mission.
