Libya group says Gaddafi must go, rebel funds needed

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi gestures at a gathering of 140 businessmen in Tunis October 31. Gaddafi urged Tunisian businessmen to invest in his country.

DOHA (Reuters) - Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi must leave soon and rebels fighting against him should be receive material support, foreign ministers said at a meeting to discuss Libya's future Wednesday.

"Participants remained united and firm in their resolve," they said in a final statement obtained by Reuters. "Gaddafi and his regime has lost all legitimacy and he must leave power allowing the Libyan people to determine their own future."

The language indicated a stronger stance than that seen at the group's meeting two weeks ago, reflecting increased pressure by Britain and France, who are delivering most of the air strikes on Gaddafi's armor and want other NATO members to contribute more to the alliance's efforts in Libya to end the deadlock in the country's civil war.

The "contact group" meeting of foreign ministers, who will next meet in May, said they would work with the national council rebel group to set up a temporary financial mechanism, referring to an idea floated earlier of establishing a fund to help rebels using frozen assets.

"Participants agreed that a Temporary Financial Mechanism could provide a method for the INC (interim national council) and international community to manage revenue to assist with short term financial requirements and structural needs in Libya."

(Reporting by Adrian Croft; writing by Reed Stevenson)