兰达说,看国际军事行动和联盟如何能成为一个集体运作起来,这倒是个很有意思的现象,因为不同国家有不同类型的军队,各个军队的训练水平也大相径庭
| United Nations March 17, 2011
Photo: AFP
The United Nations Security Council during a meeting at UN headquarters in New York, March 17, 2011
The U.N. Security Council has authorized a No-Fly Zone over Libya, paving the way for possible air strikes. The council’s action comes on the heels of a warning from leader Moammar Gadhafi, who said Thursday he would have "no mercy" on rebels as his troops advance on their stronghold in the eastern city of Benghazi.
The vote was close. Ten council members voted in favor while five countries abstained - China, Russia, Germany, Brazil and India. There were no votes against. Only nine of the Security Council’s 15 members are required to vote in favor, with no vetoes, for a resolution to be adopted.
There were reports of fireworks and celebratory gunfire from Benghazi following the adoption of Resolution 1973.
Related video report by Meredith Buel
The resolution calls for an immediate cease-fire and a complete end to the violence. It also authorizes States to take "all necessary measures" to enforce the ban on flights in order to protect civilians in areas under threat of attack, including Benghazi. Those measures are likely to include targeted air strikes on Libyan military defenses. But the resolution does not authorize any ground invasion, expressly excluding the possibility of a "foreign occupation force".
French Foreign Minister Alain Juppé, who came to New York for the vote, said his country, along with others - including Arab states, are ready to implement the No-Fly Zone. "We have very little time left. It is a matter of days. It is perhaps a matter of hours. Every day, every hour we see the closing of the clamp on the civilians and the population of Benghazi. Each day, each hour that passes raises the weight on our shoulders. We should not arrive too late. The Security Council should make sure that law and democracy continue and that democracy prevails," he said.
In a televised speech ahead of the vote, Moammar Gadhafi warned that his forces would begin a counter-offensive to take back Benghazi. He offered amnesty to those who put down their weapons, but to those who do not he promised "no mercy or compassion."
Several council members cited his repeated belligerence against his people, his loss of legitimacy and the need to avoid more bloodshed in their support for the resolution, which they said is essentially humanitarian in its scope.
But there was also great reluctance in the council to authorize the use of force. Russia and China refrained from using their veto, but both expressed their doubts after the vote.
Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said a whole range of questions had not been adequately answered, including how the No-Fly Zone would be enforced, the rules of engagement and limits to the use of force. While China’s envoy Li Baodong said Beijing is always against the use of force in international relations.
Germany also broke with its European colleagues on the council and abstained over concerns of being drawn into a protracted military conflict.
But the United States, which had also appeared reluctant to support a No-Fly Zone earlier in the week, put its full support behind the resolution. Ambassador Susan Rice welcomed its passage. "This resolution should send a strong message to Colonel Gadhafi and his regime that the violence must stop, the killing must stop and the people of Libya must be protected and have the opportunity to express themselves freely," she said.
On Saturday the Arab League requested the council authorize the No-Fly Zone and diplomats have said that Arab countries will participate in it. Qatar, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates have all been floated as possibilities to join the United States, Britain and France.
Libya’s Deputy U.N. Ambassador, Ibrahim Dabbashi, who was among the first to break with the regime, urged the international community to move immediately and do whatever is possible to protect vulnerable civilians in Libya.
In a statement, the U.N. Secretary-General, who is on his way to the region, welcomed the resolution. Ban Ki-moon said given the critical situation on the ground he expected "immediate action" on its provisions.
In addition to the call for the ban on flights, the resolution also expands and strengthens sanctions imposed by the council nearly three weeks ago in Resolution 1970. The additional measures include freezing the assets of more individuals and entities -- including the Libyan Central Bank and the National Oil Company, expanding a travel ban and tightening enforcement of the arms embargo.
The U.N. Security Council has authorized a No-Fly Zone over Libya, paving the way for possible air strikes. The council’s action comes on the heels of a warning from leader Moammar Gadhafi, who said Thursday he would have "no mercy" on rebels as his troops advance on their stronghold in the eastern city of Benghazi.
The vote was close. Ten council members voted in favor while five countries abstained - China, Russia, Germany, Brazil and India. There were no votes against. Only nine of the Security Council’s 15 members are required to vote in favor, with no vetoes, for a resolution to be adopted.
There were reports of fireworks and celebratory gunfire from Benghazi following the adoption of Resolution 1973.
Related video report by Meredith Buel
The resolution calls for an immediate cease-fire and a complete end to the violence. It also authorizes States to take "all necessary measures" to enforce the ban on flights in order to protect civilians in areas under threat of attack, including Benghazi. Those measures are likely to include targeted air strikes on Libyan military defenses. But the resolution does not authorize any ground invasion, expressly excluding the possibility of a "foreign occupation force".
French Foreign Minister Alain Juppé, who came to New York for the vote, said his country, along with others - including Arab states, are ready to implement the No-Fly Zone. "We have very little time left. It is a matter of days. It is perhaps a matter of hours. Every day, every hour we see the closing of the clamp on the civilians and the population of Benghazi. Each day, each hour that passes raises the weight on our shoulders. We should not arrive too late. The Security Council should make sure that law and democracy continue and that democracy prevails," he said.
In a televised speech ahead of the vote, Moammar Gadhafi warned that his forces would begin a counter-offensive to take back Benghazi. He offered amnesty to those who put down their weapons, but to those who do not he promised "no mercy or compassion."
Several council members cited his repeated belligerence against his people, his loss of legitimacy and the need to avoid more bloodshed in their support for the resolution, which they said is essentially humanitarian in its scope.
But there was also great reluctance in the council to authorize the use of force. Russia and China refrained from using their veto, but both expressed their doubts after the vote.
Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said a whole range of questions had not been adequately answered, including how the No-Fly Zone would be enforced, the rules of engagement and limits to the use of force. While China’s envoy Li Baodong said Beijing is always against the use of force in international relations.
Germany also broke with its European colleagues on the council and abstained over concerns of being drawn into a protracted military conflict.
But the United States, which had also appeared reluctant to support a No-Fly Zone earlier in the week, put its full support behind the resolution. Ambassador Susan Rice welcomed its passage. "This resolution should send a strong message to Colonel Gadhafi and his regime that the violence must stop, the killing must stop and the people of Libya must be protected and have the opportunity to express themselves freely," she said.
On Saturday the Arab League requested the council authorize the No-Fly Zone and diplomats have said that Arab countries will participate in it. Qatar, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates have all been floated as possibilities to join the United States, Britain and France.
Libya’s Deputy U.N. Ambassador, Ibrahim Dabbashi, who was among the first to break with the regime, urged the international community to move immediately and do whatever is possible to protect vulnerable civilians in Libya.
In a statement, the U.N. Secretary-General, who is on his way to the region, welcomed the resolution. Ban Ki-moon said given the critical situation on the ground he expected "immediate action" on its provisions.
In addition to the call for the ban on flights, the resolution also expands and strengthens sanctions imposed by the council nearly three weeks ago in Resolution 1970. The additional measures include freezing the assets of more individuals and entities -- including the Libyan Central Bank and the National Oil Company, expanding a travel ban and tightening enforcement of the arms embargo.
France and Norway say they will join the international military intervention in Libya after the United Nations Security Council authorized a no-fly zone over the country.
French government spokesman Francois Baroin and Norweigian Defense Minister Grete Faremo announced their countries' participation Friday. French diplomatic sources say international military action would come "within hours" to stop forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi from hurting civilians.
Meanwhile, pro-Gadhafi forces bombarded the western rebel-held town town of Misrata Friday, as NATO envoys in Brussels discussed ways to enforce the U.N. Security Council resolution.
Ten council members voted in favor of the resolution Thursday and no country voted against it. Five members - Brazil, China, Germany, India, and Russia - abstained.
The resolution authorized U.N. members to take "all necessary measures" to protect civilians, including a ban on all flights over Libya. Those measure are likely to include targeted air strikes on Libya's military defenses.
Gadhafi has warned the rebels to surrender or face an imminent attack. He said his forces will show no mercy and dismissed the resolution as worthless.
The United States has started plans for enforcing the no-fly zone. Italy is offering the use of its Sigonella air base on Sicily, and Canada has announced it will send six fighter jets to the region.
U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Susan Rice, announced after the vote that Gadhafi has lost his legitimacy. She added there is no justification for his continued leadership.
French Prime Minister Francois Fillon said his government supports military action against Libya as quickly as possible.
Despite Gadhafi's remarks about the U.N. resolution, Libyan Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Kaaim said Libya wold react "positively" to the measure and is willing to guarantee protection for civilians.
Thursday's resolution also stresses the need to find solution to the Libyan crisis that responds to the "legitimate demands" of the Libyan people. It calls for stronger enforcement of an arms embargo against Libya and adds more names and companies to those subject to an asset freeze.
Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah will address the nation on Friday, amid reports of a possible government reshuffle.
Diplomats said that among measures to be announced are ministerial changes and an anti-corruption drive, according to Associated Press.
The country has not seen the kind of unrest experienced by some of its neighbours in recent months.
But there were more small protests on Thursday in the eastern city of Qatif.
Hundreds of people reportedly gathered to demand the withdrawal of Saudi forces from neighbouring Bahrain, where they have been used in the suppression of pro-democracy demonstrations.
The protesters also called for the release of Shia prisoners held in Saudi jails.
The east of the country is where many of Saudi Arabia's Shia minority live and it borders Bahrain, a Shia-majority kingdom ruled by a Sunni government which has been rocked by protests in recent weeks.
Signs of dissent are not restricted to the Shia community but a planned "day of rage" by pro-democracy activists last week appears to have been prevented by a heavy security presence on the streets.
King Abdullah, 86, will issue a number of decrees in his speech after Friday prayers, the state news agency announced.
No further details were given but diplomats quoted by AP said the ministers of defence, higher education and religious affairs were to be replaced.
In addition, the diplomats said a new institution to combat corruption would be announced, and an increase in subsidies for basic foodstuffs.
King Abdullah unveiled a package of $37bn (£22.7bn) in benefits for Saudi citizens when he returned to the state last month, after having medical treatment abroad.
At least three anti-government protesters have been shot dead by Yemeni forces in Sanaa, reports say.
Medics said dozens were wounded when government forces opened fire on a group of protesters gathered near the university, following Friday prayers.
Security forces were reportedly trying to stop the protesters marching out of the square, Reuters reports.
Witnesses said the men opened fire on protesters calling for President Ali Abdullah Saleh to stand down.
Yemen is one of a number of countries in the region that have seen unrest since the presidents of Egypt and Tunisia were ousted in popular revolts.
Thousands of people have turned out for regular demonstrations in cities including Sanaa, Aden, Taiz and elsewhere, calling for corruption and unemployment to be tackled and demanding the president step down.
The protests have often been met by riot police or supporters of President Saleh armed with knives and batons.
The president has been power for 32 years, facing a separatist movement in the south, a branch of al-Qaeda, and a periodic conflict with Shia tribes in the north.
He has said he will not seek another term in office in 2013 but has vowed to defend his regime "with every drop of blood".
Western powers are discussing how to enforce a no-fly zone over Libya after the passage of a UN resolution backing "all necessary measures" to protect civilians, short of an occupation.
France said there could be air strikes "within hours", though the details and timing of any action remain unclear.
Forces loyal to Col Muammar Gaddafi have been advancing eastwards towards the rebel stronghold of Benghazi.
They were also said to be bombarding the city of Misrata on Friday.
Col Gaddafi has promised to retake Benghazi, saying his forces would show "no mercy".
Meanwhile, Libya has closed its airspace to all traffic, Europe's air traffic control agency says.
Nato is due to discuss on Friday what role the alliance might play.
French government spokesman Francois Baroin said on Friday morning that strikes could take place "rapidly" and "within a few hours". But he added: "You will understand that there's no question of talking as early as this morning about when, how, which targets or in which form." 'Unfair'
It is not thought that the US would be involved in the first strikes. The British and French, along with some Arab allies, are expected to play a leading role. Norway has said it will also participate.
Qatar will take part in international efforts to protect civilians, Qatar's official news agency reported, though it was not clear if this included military operations.
The UN resolution is so broad that it allows military action against all threats to civilians, and could involve bombing Col Gaddafi's forces on the ground if deemed necessary.
Rebel forces in Benghazi reacted with joy to the UN resolution, but a government spokesman condemned UN "aggression". One of Col Gaddafi's sons, Saif al-Islam, said the resolution was "unfair" as Libya had not been bombing civilians.
Following the UN vote, US President Barack Obama called the French and British leaders to discuss the next move. They said Libya had to comply immediately with the resolution.
"Given the critical situation on the ground, I expect immediate action on the resolution's provisions," said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
BBC diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Marcus says signals from Paris that air operations could be imminent may be an attempt to keep Col Gaddafi guessing.
US officials said an attempt to ground Col Gaddafi's air force could begin on Sunday or Monday. 'Strong message'
The UK, France and Lebanon proposed Security Council Resolution 1973, with US support.
In New York, the 15-member Security Council voted 10-0 in favour, with five abstentions.
Russia and China - which often oppose the use of force against a sovereign country as they believe it sets a dangerous precedent - abstained rather than using their power of veto as permanent members.
The US ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice, said: "This resolution should send a strong message to Colonel Gaddafi and his regime that the violence must stop, the killing must stop and the people of Libya must be protected and have the opportunity to express themselves freely."
But Germany, which abstained, will not be contributing to the military effort. Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said his government sees "considerable dangers and risks" in military action against Col Gaddafi.
The Russian military also said it would not participate in any military action, Russian news agency Interfax reported.
Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said Beijing had "serious reservations" about the resolution but did not veto it "in view of the concerns and stance of the Arab countries and African Union and the special circumstances that currently apply in Libya".
The Libyan military has warned that civilian and military activities in the Mediterranean would become "the target of a Libyan counter-attack" following any foreign operation.
Following the toppling of the long-time leaders of neighbouring Tunisia and Egypt earlier this year, Libyan protesters started to demand that Col Gaddafi step down after more than 40 years of autocratic rule.