UN approves no-fly zone over Libya
Posted March 17, 2011 7:46 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The United Nations Security Council has voted to impose a no-fly zone over Libya and use “all necessary measures” to protect its civilians.
The initiative was proposed by the UK, France and Lebanon. The 15-member Security Council voted 10-0 in favour of the measure, with five abstentions.
In addition, this motion calls for an immediate ceasefire and a tightening of sanctions. This makes it more difficult to bring foreign mercenaries into Libya.
Published reports have stated that if this motion passed, air attacks on Gaddafi forces by the British and French could begin within hours.
Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi addressed the people of the rebel stronghold of Benghazi on Thursday, saying his troops were coming without mercy.
Rebels leaders responded saying their troops would stand firm.
The Libyan military has issued a warning, saying that any foreign military strikes against the country would only bring about retaliation and destabilise the Mediterranean region.
