Libya declares ceasefire after Security Council resolution

A day after the United Nations authorised the use of force on Libya, the Quddafi government today called a halt to all military action against civilian protesters and said it will start talking with rebels.

Libyan foreign minister Moussa Koussa made the announcement in a televised news conference beamed by Al Arabiya TV today.

He said Libya takes great interest in protecting civilians - both nationals and foreigners - and that the government will do its most to protect assets of foreigners in Libya.

However, he said, the UN resolution authorising a no-fly zone over Libya violated the UN Charter.

The Security Council's resolution, passed with 10-0 voting and five abstentions on Thursday, effectively authorises the use of force in Libya to protect civilians from attack, specifically in the eastern city of Benghazi, which Colonel Muammar Al-Qaddafi has reportedly said he will storm tonight to end a revolt against his regime.

China and Russia, which have the power of veto, as well as non-permanent members Brazil, Germany and India abstained from voting.
 
The resolution under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which provides for the use of force if needed, authorises member 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."