In Libya, as forces loyal to strongman Moamer Khadhafi pushed their fierce assault against the rebels to the key town of Ajdabiya, the world's eight powers were seeking a common front, with host France pushing for a no-fly zone over Libya.

French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe vowed to step up efforts to get approval for the measure, which is backed by the 22-nation Arab League, considered crucial for dealing with the region.

But Britain and France, which are drafting a resolution for the UN Security Council, failed last week to convince their European Union partners to back the move, and the United States and Russia are also lukewarm.

The G8 ministers were also to discuss Friday's devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan, which have raised fears of a nuclear disaster after damage to a power plant, as well as economic concerns.

AFP