UN Security Council to Consider Sanctions on Libya

Strategic Insights -

The UN Security Council is set to meet on Friday to consider imposing sanctions on Libya in response to the ongoing violence against anti-government protesters. The draft resolution, proposed by Britain and France, would freeze the assets and impose travel bans on Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and his top officials. The move comes after talks between US President Barack Obama and world leaders, including those from Britain, France, Italy, and Turkey. Anti-government protests continue to spread across Libya, with reports of gunfire and killings in Tripoli, where thousands of protesters have taken to the streets demanding an end to Gaddafi's 41-year rule.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN Security Council is scheduled to meet on Friday to consider a draft resolution proposing sanctions on Libya.
  • The draft resolution, proposed by Britain and France, would freeze the assets and impose travel bans on Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and his top officials.
  • The move comes after talks between US President Barack Obama and world leaders, including those from Britain, France, Italy, and Turkey.
  • Anti-government protests continue to spread across Libya, with reports of gunfire and killings in Tripoli, where thousands of protesters have taken to the streets demanding an end to Gaddafi's 41-year rule.
  • The draft resolution also considers imposing a no-fly zone over Libya to prevent the government from killing protesters by air strikes.
  • Diplomats expect most missions to refer the action back to their capitals for a final decision.
  • The first protest in Tripoli in several days came after the Friday prayers, backed up by demonstrations by tens of thousands of protesters across Libya.

Statistics:

  • 41-year rule of Muammar Gaddafi
  • Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in Tripoli demanding an end to Gaddafi's rule
  • Reports of gunfire and killings in Tripoli
  • Draft resolution proposes asset freezes and travel bans for Muammar Gaddafi and his top officials
  • UN Security Council to meet on Friday to consider the draft resolution

Sources:

  • PTI (Press Trust of India), "US supports French, British resolution on Libya", February 25, 2011.