ROME -- The United States is trying to free up some of the more than $30 billion it has frozen in Libyan assets so it can support the opponents of Muammar al-Qaddafi, U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Rodham Clinton told a conference Thursday.

The meeting in Rome was focused on how to financially help the Libyan rebels, who say they need $1.5 billion in the coming months just for food, medicine and other basic supplies.

Clinton said the Obama administration, working with Congress, wants "to tap some portion of those assets owned by Qaddafi and the Libyan government in the United States, so we can make those funds available to help the Libyan people."

The United States also has already has pledged $53 million in humanitarian aid and authorized up to $25 million in non-lethal assistance to the rebels, including medical supplies, boots, tents, rations and personal protective gear. The first shipment is set to arrive in Benghazi in the coming days.

Clinton declared that ousting Qaddafi is the best way to protect Libya's people.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/05/05/clinton-trying-free-billions-libyan-assets-help-rebels/#ixzz1LU67QZzw