Obama, Cameron Promise Sustained Military Campaign in Libya

U.S. President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron Wednesday promised a relentless military campaign in Libya, while also asking for patience in an effort they indicated has no end in sight.

Speaking at a news conference in London, Mr. Obama told the world there will be no letup in allied efforts to force Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi from power. He also said he could not predict when Mr. Gadhafi may be forced to step down.

Mr. Cameron echoed the U.S. president's call for Mr. Gadhafi to go, saying Britain will examine all options to turn up the pressure on the Libyan strongman. Both leaders again ruled out sending ground troops into the North African nation.

The Libyan crisis and the broader Arab uprising will be major topics as the Group of Eight world powers meet for talks in France Thursday and Friday.

Earlier, residents of the Libyan capital, Tripoli, reported at least six loud blasts in the city overnight. NATO began stepping up its bombardment Monday, with some of the new airstrikes aimed at an area around Mr. Gadhafi's compound.

Russia spoke out against the NATO bombing campaign , declaring that the airstrikes against Tripoli violate U.N. Security Council resolutions. Foreign Ministry officials in Moscow said NATO's aerial campaign is not stopping pro-Gadhafi forces from attacking rebels, but creating more suffering for Libyan civilians.

South African President Jacob Zuma says he will travel to Libya to try to help resolve the conflict.

A statement released by Mr. Zuma's office Wednesday said he will hold talks with Mr. Gadhafi in Tripoli on Monday, in the South African leader's capacity as a member of high-level African Union committees.

On Tuesday, a high-ranking U.S. official who is visiting Libya said the rebel Transitional National Council has accepted an invitation from Mr. Obama to open a representative office in! Washing ton.