Leading members of the Nato alliance edged towards agreement over who should command the military operation over Libya, with France and Britain floating a new plan to overcome coalition differences.

As Muammer Gaddafi’s forces pressed ahead with their attack on the rebel-held western town of Misurata, British officials indicated that diplomatic efforts were being made to structure the command and control of the coalition along the lines of the International Security Assistance Force that operates in Afghanistan.

The Isaf mission is largely spearheaded by Nato and uses Nato’s planning and intervention capabilities. But Isaf also formally engages a range of countries outside the western alliance which are involved in the fight against the Taliban.