Libya situation being watched

External affairs minister S M Krishna on Tuesday said the government is keeping a close watch on the situation in violence-hit Libya.

External affairs minister S M Krishna on Tuesday said the government is keeping a close watch on the situation in violence-hit Libya.

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Krishna said that the situation is being closely monitored by the External affairs ministry and all Indians are safe in Libya.

Speaking to reporters outside the Parliament, he said: "Whatever needs to be done, will be done," asserting that the mission in Libya was in constant touch with Indian citizens there.

When questioned about the help being provided to workers there, Krishna said: "We don''t differentiate between ''mazdoors and non-mazdoors'' (labourers and non-labourers). Every Indian is precious to us."

Earlier on Sunday, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vishnu Prakash said: "All Indians numbering around 18,000 are safe in Libya. We are following the situation closely. Presently disturbances have mainly been reported in north-eastern cities of Benghazi, Derna, Baida and Tubruk."

"In view of the prevailing situation in Libya, Indian nationals are advised to avoid non-essential travel to Libya, for the present," he added.

Vishnu Prakash also informed that the Indian Embassy in Tripoli has set up a round the clock control room which can be contacted for further information or assistance.