4 Quotes by George Joffe

What is certain to me is that the medical workers are going to eventually be released. But that will be a result of a political deal.

Applying sanctions is unrealistic because the EU gets 20 percent of its natural gas from Algeria. They could limit air links, but they won't, because the Algerians would react very badly. (The mission) can focus a light on events... and try to build up a dialogue with the government on questions such as human rights abuses, freedom of the press and laws on political parties.

The Libyans will have to push this as far as they can, right up until the point when it looks like the executions are inevitable. And then, if there is no evidence of concessions, Gaddafi will have to step in and solve it.

The final result will depend on the progress of the talks on humanitarian aid ... So in a way they've bought themselves some negotiating time.