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United Nations

UK Ambassador to UN: Libya Resolution a "Powerful Message" to Gadhafi

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant, Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations, welcomed the unanimous adoption of Resolution 1970, which he presented to the Security Council in draft form 24 hours prior. The resolution aims to bring an immediate cessation of violence on the civilian population in Libya, hold accountable those involved in human rights abuses, and send a powerful message that the actions of Libyan leader Colonel Gadhafi are no longer acceptable.

The resolution contains four major sanctions measures: an assets freeze on Colonel Gadhafi and his family, a travel ban on regime members, an arms embargo, and an immediate referral of the situation to the International Criminal Court. Lyall Grant emphasized that the referral is an immediate measure, with the prosecutor asked to investigate and report back to the Security Council within two months.

Key Takeaways:

  • The British government welcomes the unanimous adoption of Resolution 1970, which aims to stop violence against civilians in Libya, hold accountable those responsible for human rights abuses, and condemn the actions of Colonel Gadhafi.
  • The resolution contains four major sanctions measures, including an assets freeze, a travel ban, an arms embargo, and an immediate referral to the ICC.
  • The referral to the ICC is an immediate measure, with the prosecutor asked to investigate and report back to the Security Council within two months.
  • The resolution excludes mercenaries from countries not party to the Rome Statute from being prosecuted, as per Paragraph Six, which was requested by certain members of the council.
  • The resolution calls on all member states to facilitate humanitarian access and reinsertion into Libya of humanitarian agencies and provision of humanitarian support.
  • The UK Ambassador believes the resolution's unity among the 15 members of the Security Council sends a powerful message to the Libyan leadership.

Statistics:

  • The resolution was adopted by the Security Council within 48 hours of being presented in draft form.
  • There are four major sanctions measures in the resolution.
  • The assets freeze affects Colonel Gadhafi and his immediate family.
  • The travel ban applies to senior members of the regime.
  • The arms embargo aims to prevent a flow of arms to the regime in Tripoli.
  • The referral to the ICC is an immediate measure, with the prosecutor asked to investigate and report back within two months.

Sources:

  • [ Federal News Service, Inc. ]

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