Italy -- Libya's former colonial ruler -- is calling for allies to provide defensive weapons.

That proposal echoes earlier calls by the UK.

Franco Frattini, Italian Foreign Minister said "Since we can't make air-to-ground strikes in the streets, we should make it possible for these people to defend themselves."

William Hague, UK Foreign Secretary said "The UK is not engaged in providing any arms, but we are engaged in providing the non-lethal assistance that I was talking about earlier."

A statement was issued after the meeting, which included the opposition's demand that Muammar Gadhafi step down immediately.

Participants also agreed to establish a Temporary Financial Mechanism for the rebel council.