Libya's foreign minister Abdul Ati al-Obeidi has warned that the British decision to send military advisers to help rebels opposing the rule of strongman Moamar Gaddafi could worsen the war and prolong the chances of peace in the country.

Reacting to reports that Britain is sending "military advisers" in Libya, particularly to assist rebel operations in Benghazi, Ati al-Obeidi said this could "prolong" the violence in the region.

But UK Foreign Secretary William Hague denied speculations that the UK is sending military troops to aid the rebels in their fighting, and clarified the team sent comprised of advisers.

Hague also insisted that the decision was inline with a UN resolution aimed at protecting civilians in Libya. The UN resolution does not call for foreign military troops to participate in the fighting.

The British official said the team would only provide logistics and intelligence training to the rebels.

Britain has sent 10 officer for the mission. Earlier, France said it would send a 10-member military advisers to Benghazi.

Gaddafi's 42-year rule in Libya is embroiled in a two-month uprising by opposition forces which seeks to topple his regime. The uprising began in Benghazi after the fall of authoritarian regimes in neighboring Tunisia and Egypt.

Libyan rebels last western stronghold Mistrata has faced weeks of heavy bombardment from forces loyal to Gaddafi. There were unconfirmed reports of thousands of civilians killed in the fighting in Mistrata.

"We think any military presence is a step backwards and we are sure that if this bombing stopped and there is a real ceasefire we could have a dialogue among all Libyans about what they want - democracy, political reform, constitution, election. This could not be done with what is going on now," Obeidi told BBC.