Egypt: No-fly zone in Libya

PJ: Most of the stories about the UN resolution on military action in Libya in the international press have positioned the US as simply one of the players. This piece, however, positions the US in more of a leadership role.

AL-MASRY AL-YOUM

Nations draw up plans for no-fly zone over Libya

United Nations -- The United States, France and Britain were making plans Friday to prevent Muammar Qadhafi's forces from attacking Libyans after the UN Security Council authorized a no-fly zone over Libya and "all necessary measures" to protect civilians.

The UN vote on Thursday night was 10-0 with five countries abstaining including Russia and China. India, Germany and Brazil also expressed misgivings about approving military action.

President Barack Obama telephoned the leaders of Britain and France after the vote, the White House said. US officials speaking after a closed-door briefing in Congress said the attempt to ground Qadhafi's air force could begin by Sunday or Monday with the use of jet fighters, bombers and surveillance aircraft.

"Given the critical situation on the ground, I expect immediate action on the resolution's provisions," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said after the vote. He pledged to "work closely with member states and regional organizations to coordinate a common, effective and timely response."

n Brussels, NATO envoys on Friday were considering ways to enforce the UN resolution. Aircraft flying from NATO bases in Sigonella, Sicily, Aviano in northern Italy, and a US carrier in the Mediterranean could enforce the no-fly zone.

Still, China said Friday it had "serious reservations" about the Security Council's action, with the Foreign Ministry saying China opposes using military force in international relations. It said China has consistently stressed respect for Libya's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity and that the crisis should be resolved through dialogue.

The United States, France and Britain pushed for rapid approval of the resolution as Qadhafi's forces advanced toward opposition-held Benghazi, Libya's second-largest city. The Libyan leader warned Thursday night he would launch a final assault on Benghazi and oust the rebels from their eastern stronghold.

The vote came five days after the Arab League called on the United Nations to "shoulder its responsibility" by imposing a flight ban over Libya. Speaking for Arab nations Thursday, Lebanese Ambassador Nawaf Salam said he hoped the move would "play a deterrent role so that Libyan authorities will move away from the logic of violence."




http://www.almasryalyoum.com/en/node/362290