UN authorizes no-fly zone over Libya

NEW YORK: The Security Council has paved the way for legal airstrikes by international forces on Muammar Gaddafi by allowing a no-fly zone over Libya and "all necessary measures" to protect civilians against attacks by his advancing forces.
The vote Thursday was 10-0 with five countries including Russia and China abstaining, which have veto power in the Council. India, Germany and Brazil also expressed doubts about the approval of military action by outside forces.
The United States, France and Great Britain have indicated that they were soon making plans to prevent attacks on civilians and enforce a no-fly zone in Libya with the help of Arab countries.
President Barack Obama telephoned the leaders of Britain and France after the vote, the White House. U.S. officials spoke after a briefing behind closed doors in Congress said the attempt by the land force air Gaddafi could start Sunday or Monday with the use of fighter planes, bombers and aircraft monitoring.
"Given the critical situation on the ground, I expect immediate action on the provisions of the resolution," the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said after the vote. He pledged to "work close collaboration with Member States and regional organizations to coordinate a common response, efficient and fast. "
The United States, France and Britain lobbied for a speedy approval of the resolution that forces advanced toward Gaddafi hands of the opposition in Benghazi, Libya's second city. The Libyan leader warned Thursday it would launch a final assault against Benghazi and drive the rebels from their eastern stronghold.
The vote took place five days after the Arab League urged the UN to "assume its responsibilities" by imposing a flight ban over Libya. Speaking on behalf of Arab nations Thursday Lebanese Ambassador Nawaf Salam said he hoped the move would "act as a deterrent to the Libyan authorities away from the logic of violence."
Libya's deputy UN ambassador Ibrahim Dabbashi, whose support of the opposition has inspired many Libyan diplomats stimulated worldwide to demand the ouster of Qaddafi, called on the world to respond "immediately".