creation of the nation: United Nations Security Council

Washington questioned over its assertion that UN mandate permits supply of arms to anti-Gaddafi rebels

Libyan rebels/Wkimedia/Phil Ittner image

Robert Booth
Guardian

The US is likely to be in breach of the UN security council’s arms embargo on Libya if it sends weapons to the rebels, experts in international law have warned.

After Hillary Clinton said it would be legal to send arms to support the uprising, lawyers analysing the terms of the UN’s 26 February arms embargo said it would require a change in the terms for it not to breach international law.

“The embargo appears to cover everybody in the conflict which means you can’t supply arms to rebels,” said Philippe Sands QC, professor of international law at University College London.

His view was backed by other experts in international law who said they could not see how the US could legally justify sending arms into Libya under the current resolutions.

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The UN Security Council votes on a resolution on Libya
© AFP Stan Honda

AFP

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The United States said Thursday it was pleased with a UN Security Council resolution approving force to protect Libyan rebels as key senators called for the immediate enforcement of a no-fly zone.

The world body had earlier cleared the way for air strikes to halt Moamer Kadhafi's offensive against embattled rebel forces, with the first bombing raids possible within hours.

"The US is very pleased with today's vote," US ambassador to the UN Susan Rice told reporters after Washington joined nine other members, including Britain, France and Lebanon, to approve the measure.

"This resolution should send a strong message to Colonel Kadhafi and his regime that the violence must stop, the killing must stop, and the people of Libya must be protected and have the opportunity to express themselves freely."
"Kadhafi has lost his legitimacy. There is no justification for his continued leadership now that he has perpetrated violence against his own people," she added, echoing previous US calls for the strongman to step down.

The resolution permits "all necessary measures" to impose a no-fly zone, protect civilian areas and impose a ceasefire on Kadhafi's military, but does not allow sending in ground forces.

Senators John McCain, John Kerry and Joseph Lieberman applauded the UN vote and urged swift implementation of the measures "before it is too late."

"With Kadhafi's forces moving towards Benghazi, we must immediately work with our friends in the Arab League and in NATO to enforce this resolution and turn the tide before it is too late," the senators said in a joint statement.

"This was an important step on behalf of the people of Libya, but it will only be as effective as its implementation," they said.

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

Obama called French President Nicolas Sarkozy and British Prime Minister David Cameron shortly after the passage of a resolution.

"The leaders agreed that Libya must immediately comply with all terms of the resolution and that violence against the civilian population of Libya must cease," the White House said in a statement.

"The leaders agreed to coordinate closely on next steps, and to continue working with Arab and other international partners to ensure the enforcement of UN Security Council resolutions on Libya."

© AFP -- Published at Activist Post with license

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