Libyans celebrating their revolution

© Anonymous/afrol News

afrol News, 18 March - Spontaneous celebrations broke out in Benghazi as the UN Security Council authorised "all necessary measures" to protect civilians in Libya, including the use of military force.

The UN Security Council today effectively authorised the use of force in Libya to protect civilians from attack, specifically in the eastern city of Benghazi, which Colonel Muammar Ghaddafi has reportedly said he will storm tonight to end a revolt against his regime.

No nation voted against the UN resolution authorising the use of military force to stop the Ghaddafi regime's attack on its own people this night. Ten countries voted in favour, while China, Russia Brazil, Germany and India abstained. Nine positive votes were necessary to have the resolution approved.

The UN resolution authorises all states "to take all necessary measures ... to protect civilians and civilian populated areas under threat of attack in the Libyan Arab Jamhariya, including Benghazi, while excluding an occupation force."

Expressing grave concern at the deteriorating situation, the escalation of violence, and the heavy civilian casualties, the Security Council established a no-fly zone, banning all flights - except those for humanitarian purposes - in Libyan airspace in order to help protect civilians. It specifically called on Arab League states to cooperate with other states - meaning NATO forces - in taking the necessary measures.

The Arab League last weekend requested the UN to impose a no-fly zone after the Ghaddafi regime was reported to have used warplanes, warships, tanks and artillery to seize back cities taken over in what started out a month ago as mass protests by peaceful civilians seeking an end to his 41-year rule.

The UN reso

UN Security Council approving military actions against Libya

© Paulo Filgueiras/UN Photo/afrol News

lution was more than Libyan rebels had expected, after urging the international community to implement a no-fly zone over Libya for weeks. An ongoing counter-offensive by pro-Ghaddafi forces had threatened to destroy Benghazi, Misrata and other rebel-held Libyan cities with the help of military aircrafts.

As the news of the UN Security Council resolution was known in Benghazi, spontaneous celebrations broke out in the city, with people waiving revolutionary and French flags. Many cried out praising of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who was the first to lobby for a no-fly zone and foreign military intervention.

French Defence Minister Alain Juppé earlier today said France was ready for immediate strikes against the Ghaddafi regime as soon as the UN Security Council had given its approval. Coordination with Arab states, probably Egypt, was already underway to take military action already tonight.

French and US sources indicate that there is intensive military planning on how the first strikes against the Ghaddafi regime will be implemented. It is widely expected that a first strike will seek to eradicate the Libyan air force altogether.

There are already reports of warships moving rapidly towards Libya, probably being part of a coordinated attack against pro-Ghaddafi troops.

Colonel Ghaddafi, who earlier had threatened to bomb Mediterranean cities or even "join al Qaeda" if military action against his regime would be approved off, shortly after the resolution indicated he would be open to ceasefire negotiations.

By staff writers

© afrol News

Tweet

Printable version

On the Afrol News front page now

UN will not monitor human rights in Western Sahara afrol News - The US has backed down on its demand that UN peacekeepers in Moroccan-occupied Western Sahara also shall monitor the human rights situation after Moroccan sources threatened to scale down relations with Washington. Read more

Central African Republic

Central African Republic falling apart afrol News - One month after the rebel movement Séléka took over power in the Central African Republic, unrest is spreading in the country. The new leader lacks control of his forces, which continue looting and abusing civilians. Read more

Kenya

Kenyatta secures tight victory in Kenya afrol News - The official election results in Kenya have finally been announced, and Uhuru Kenyatta managed to win the first poll round outright with a narrow 50.7 percent. But the main opponent, PM Raila Odinga, is filing a vote rigging complaint to the courts. Read more

Cape Verde Cape Verde to produce dragon fruit afrol News - Cape Verde authorities have invested large sums to diversify the arid country's agricultural sector. Now, the dragon fruit, originating in tropical America, is being introduced for the first commercial production in Africa. Read more

Egypt Even governors in Pharaonic Egypt died in their 20s afrol News - Researchers have analysed more than 200 mummies from ancient Egypt, finding that even high dignitaries were poorly nourished and had infectious diseases. The typical governor in Pharaonic Egypt died before he was 30 years old. Read more