Arab League calls on Libya to halt violence

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Cairo - The Arab League on Wednesday called for an end to violence in Libya and considered further steps which included the imposition of a no-fly zone over Libya.

The Arab League Council at the level of foreign ministers convened on Wednesday to discuss the latest regional situation, especially in Libya.

A resolution issued after the meeting said the Arab League could not stand aside while the Libyan people suffered bloodshed.

Steps included the imposition of no-fly zone over Libya under the coordination of the Arab League and the African Union, it added.

The meeting also decided to postpone the Arab summit slated for 29 March to no later than 15 May. Iraq is set to host the upcoming summit.

On 22 February, the Arab League suspended Libya's participation in future meetings and its affiliated bodies after the bloody clashes swept the country. The suspension will be in place until Libya authorities respond to people's demands.

The UN Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution to impose sanctions on Libya, including an arms embargo against the Libyan authorities and travel ban and asset freeze directed at Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and his key family members. - BuaNews-Xinhua