LIBYA NO-FLY ZONE AUTHORIZED BY U.N. SECURITY COUNCIL!!!

The United Nations Security Council on Thursday evening approved a draft resolution calling for a no-fly zone over Libya to assist rebel fighters.The U.N. Security Council on Thursday paved the way for international air strikes against Moammar Gadhafi's forces, voting to authorize military action to protect civilians and impose a no-fly zone over Libya.The US, France and Britain pushed for speedy approval because Gaddafi's forces are advancing toward the opposition-held city of Benghazi.

The vote passed 10-0 with five abstentions in the 15-member council. Permanent members China and Russia were among those abstaining, but did not use their veto power.

Diplomats have indicated that air strikes from a coalition led by Britain, France and the US could be imminent as Gaddafi's troops close in on the rebel stronghold of Benghazi.

Julia Gillard said : Australia welcomed the imposition of a no-fly zone as an important measure to stop dictator Gaddafi attacking his people.Addressing the Security Council, French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said the world had to act to support Libya, following peaceful revolts against authoritarian leaders across the Arab world.



"The world is living one of its great revolutions that changes the course of history,'' he said."In North Africa, the Persian Gulf, the Arab people are calling to breathe democracy. In Libya, alas, for a number of weeks the people's will has been shot down to its feet by Colonel Gaddafi."We are ready and willing to act together, including with Arab members. We have very little time left. It is a matter of days.

Gadhafi said : "The U.N. Security Council has no mandate. We don't acknowledge their resolutions." He pledged to respond harshly to U.N.-sponsored attacks. "If the world is crazy, we will be crazy too," he told the Portuguese public Radiotelevisao Portuguesa.But Libya's Dabbashi said the council's action will make "the people of Benghazi ... feel safe from this time on."

"It is a clear message to the Libyan people that they are not alone, that the international community is with them and is going to help them to protect themselves," he said. "It is also a clear message to Col. Gadhafi and those who are supporting him that there is no place for dictatorship, there is no place for killing the people."



President Barack Obama and other Western leaders are holding firm that Gadhafi must go.But Pentagon officials continue cautioning that setting up and maintaining a no-fly zone would be complex and expensive.However, Pentagon officials are working up options for such a mission that they will present to Obama.

Though complex, defense officials have made clear they feel the U.S. military would have few problems carrying out the mission.

John McCain Said : The air chief whether the prospect of being engaged by Air Force fighters and other U.S. military systems would alter the thinking of Libyan military pilots.

“Clearly, it would have an influence,” Schwartz replied.

Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice said Wednesday evening that measures that "perhaps go beyond" a no-fly zone, to protect Libyan citizens, should be considered.