Russia Opposes No-Fly Zone Over Libya, Supports U.N. Sanctions

Strategic Insights -

As Libya's Moammar Gadhafi launches a fierce bid to retain power, the international community is increasingly focused on imposing a no-fly zone to protect civilians. However, Russia has ruled out the possibility of a no-fly zone, saying it would be an interference in Libya's domestic affairs. Meanwhile, the U.N. Security Council has approved sanctions, including an arms embargo and asset freeze, targeting Gadhafi and his regime.

Key Takeaways:

  • Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov described a no-fly zone over Libya as "superfluous" and emphasized the need to focus on using U.N. sanctions effectively.
  • The U.N. Security Council has approved sanctions, including an arms embargo, asset freeze, and visa ban, targeting Gadhafi and his regime.
  • Italy has voiced support for a no-fly zone over Libya, citing the success of similar operations in the Balkans, but emphasized that it would require U.N. authorization and enforcement.
  • NATO has stated that any intervention in Libya would have to be U.N.-authorized.
  • The European Union has imposed additional sanctions, including a travel ban and asset freeze, on senior Libyan officials.
  • Germany has proposed a 60-day economic embargo to prevent Gadhafi from using oil revenues to hire mercenaries.
  • The U.S. has moved naval and air forces closer to Libya and is considering patrolling the nation's skies to protect its citizens.
  • France has pledged to fly aid into opposition-controlled eastern Libya to support the rebels.
  • The International Committee of the Red Cross has reported credible evidence of patients being executed in hospitals in Libya and is calling for access to western parts of the country.

Statistics:

  • 85% of Libyan oil exports go to Europe.
  • Gadhafi and his family have significant assets in Britain, Switzerland, and Italy.
  • The combined value of sanctions imposed by the EU and U.S. exceeds $25 billion.
  • The U.N. Security Council has imposed an arms embargo, asset freeze, and visa ban on Gadhafi and his regime.
  • The European Union has imposed a 60-day economic embargo on Libya.
  • The U.S. Navy has moved naval forces closer to Libya.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press: By John Heilprin, Geneva (AP) -- [No date mentioned in the original text]
  • "Russia's Lavrov says no to NATO no-fly zone over Libya" - quoted in Russian newswires
  • "Italy to suspend treaty with Libya" - quoted in Il Messaggero newspaper in Rome
  • U.N. Security Council Meeting - [No date mentioned in the original text]
  • European Union Press Release - [No date mentioned in the original text]
  • Germany's Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle - [No date mentioned in the original text]
  • International Committee of the Red Cross Spokeswoman Anna Nelson - [No date mentioned in the original text]