2011-03-18 10:47

UNITED NATIONS - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday joined the UN Security Council in "calling for an immediate cease-fire, a halt to all attacks on civilians and full humanitarian access to those in need" in Libya.

The secretary-general, who is on a visit to Guatamala, issued a statement via his spokesman here shortly after the Security Council passed a resolution to authorize a no-fly zone over Libya and called for "all necessary measures," excluding troops on the ground, to protect civilians under threat of attack in the North African country. The draft was adopted as Resolution 1973 with 10 voting in favor and five abstentions.

"Once again, I join the Council in calling for an immediate cease-fire (in Libya), a halt to all attacks on civilians and full humanitarian access to those in need," Ban said in the statement. "Our strenuous diplomatic efforts will continue."

Also on Thursday, the UN chief's special envoy for Libya, Abdelilah Al-Khatib, met in Cairo, Egypt, with the secretary-general of the Arab League, Amr Moussa, after his visit to the Libyan capital of Triopli.

Ban, in the statement, said that the special envoy "will brief me this weekend on the results of his conversations. I myself will travel to the region to advance our common efforts in this critical hour."

The secretary-general is scheduled to visit Tunisia and Egypt this week, where he is expected to discuss the latest developments in some countries in North Africa and the Middle East, including the current situation of Libya.

"The Security Council today has taken an historic decision," the statement said. "Resolution 1973 affirms, clearly and unequivocally, the international community's determination to fulfill its responsibility to protect civilians."

"The resolution authorizes the use of all necessary measures, including a no-fly zone to prevent further casualties and loss of innocent lives," the statement said. "In adopting this Resolution, the Security Council placed great importance on the appeal of the League of Arab States for action."

The Arab League endorsed the establishment of the no-fly zone over Libya in its March 12 decision at the end of an emergency meeting on the situation of the North African country.

"Given the critical situation on the ground, I expect immediate action on the resolution's provisions," the statement said. "I am prepared to carry out my responsibilities, as mandated by the resolution, and will work closely with member states and regional organizations to coordinate a common, effective and timely response."