UK, France Back Libya No-Fly Zone
The AP reports:
Britain and France are drafting a U.N. resolution that would establish a no-fly zone over Libya to prevent Moammar Gadhafi's air force from bombing civilians and rebels fighting to oust him from power.
A British diplomat at the U.N. stressed Monday that the resolution is being prepared as a contingency in case it is needed, but no decision has been made to introduce it at the U.N. Security Council.
Pressure for the no-fly zone appears to be intensifying after Gadhafi's regime unleashed its air power on the poorly equipped and poorly organized rebel force trying to oust their ruler of 41 years.
The heavy use of air power on Sunday — and again on Monday — signaled the regime's concern that it needed to check the advance of the rebel force toward the city of Sirte, Gadhafi's hometown and stronghold which lies on the main road to the capital, Tripoli.
Libya's U.N. ambassador and his deputy have urged the council to impose a no-fly zone to prevent Gadhafi's forces from bombing civilians. Rebel fighters have also urged its establishment, saying they can take on Gadhafi's elite ground forces, but are outgunned if he uses his air power.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague told the House of Commons Monday that "NATO has been tasked to work on a range of options, including the possible establishment of a no-fly zone."
"At the U.N. Security Council, we are working closely with partners on a contingency basis on elements of a resolution on a no-fly zone, making clear the need for regional support, a clear trigger for such a resolution and an appropriate legal basis," Hague said.
French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said Saturday before leaving for Cairo that "we are currently working in New York with the British to achieve a resolution of the U.N. Security Council creating a no-fly zone in order to prevent bombings."
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