UN vote could clear way for Libya strikes

The UN Security Council will on Thursday vote on a resolution that would allow military strikes and a no-fly zone in a

Raids could take place as soon UNSC approves use of force

UAE, Qatar could be among Arab nations to join coalition that takes action against Gathafi's regime in Libya.

By Tim Witcher - UNITED NATIONS

bid to halt Moamer Gathafi's offensive against Libya opposition forces.

According to a draft of the text, the UN body would permit "all necessary measures" to be used to protect civilian areas, including the rebel capital of Benghazi where Gathafi earlier threatened to "chase the traitors".

The 15-nation council will vote on the text at about 2200 GMT. China opposed military measures during negotiations but it was not known if any of the five permanent members would use their veto to block the proposal.

Air raids on Libyan army positions could take place as soon as the Security Council approves the use of force, a French diplomatic source in Paris said.

Asked whether France would take part in air strikes, French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said at the UN headquarters: "France is ready, along with others, to put in action the Security Council resolution, including in this field."

"Taking into account the urgency on the ground, it goes without saying that it must be applied quickly," the minister added.

The resolution, drawn up by Britain, France and Lebanon and strong US input, specifically excludes "an occupation force" in Libya. And it calls on Arab nations to "cooperate" in the action.

NATO has been planning for a no-fly zone operation and with Gathafi forces closing on Benghazi, the United States has taken an increasingly tough line on the need to counter Gathafi in recent days.

US Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz told lawmakers that if a no-fly zone were ordered, he expects radar-evading F-22 Raptors to be used with other fighters, aerial refueling tankers, surveillance and electronic jamming aircraft.

Other US officials have warned that bombing raids will be necessary.

The resolution authorizes UN members "to take all necessary measures ... to protect civilians and civilian population areas under threat of attack in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, including Benghazi, while excluding an occupation force."

The Security Council would "establish a ban on all flights in the airspace of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya in order to help protect civilians."

The action tightens sanctions ordered against the Gathafi regime on February 26. Resolution 1970 ordered an assets freeze and travel ban against the Libyan leader, members of his family and close associates.

It deplores Gathafi's failure to heed the UN calls for an end to the violence and says that "widespread and systematic attacks" on civilians are still taking place and warns that these could be crimes against humanity.

The Security Council stresses the importance of the Arab League's call for the no-fly zone and urges Arab participation in the action. Diplomats have said Qatar and United Arab Emirates could take part.

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