The Libyan government headed by Col. Moammar Gadhafi has declared a cease-fire and halt to military action on Friday, following the U.N. Security Council's approval of the use of foreign military force to aid the country's civilians.
Libyan Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa said Friday, "[Libya is] obliged to accept the Security Council resolution that permits the use of force to protect the civilian population. Therefore, Libya has decided an immediate ceasefire and the stoppage of all military operations."
The push for international intervention in Libya, where Gadhafi has led attacks on pro-democracy rebels trying to topple his 42-year regime, was aggressively advocated by France and the U.K. Several countries have indicated they were ready to conduct military strikes within hours of the resolution's passage.
The resolution allows foreign nations to use "all necessary measures" to protect Libyan civilians from Gadhafi's security forces. It comes just after Gadhafi announced an all-out assault against his opposition in the rebel-stronghold, Benghazi, even if the whole world opposed him.
Ten members of the Security Council voted for the measure that permits the deployment of troops, imposes a no-fly zone in Libya, and the inspection of all aircraft and sea vessels that enter and leave Libya to enforce previously adopted arms sanctions. Russia, China, Germany, India and Brazil abstained.
U.N. members are reassuring the public that the military campaign is merely to prevent a civilian massacre and will not result in foreign military occupation in the country.
Lebanon's ambassador to the U.N. Nawaf Salam said, "Our resolution is aimed to protect Libyan civilians. It will not result in the occupation of even an inch of Libyan territory."
