UN Security Council Approves No Fly Zone As BRIC Nations Abstain

Context
The UN Security Council approved the US sponsored resolution for the implementation of no-fly zone over Libya. The US had earlier urged the UN Security Council to consider tougher measures than a no-fly zone over Libya. France, Britain and Lebanon authored the resolution. On the other hand, BRIC nations of Brazil, Russia, India and China, including Germany, have abstained from the vote. However, the resolution has ruled out the use of ground troops in Libya.

The Libyan defense ministry had earlier threatened that “any military operation against Libya will expose all air and maritime traffic in the Mediterranean to danger.”

In Libya today government forces have clashed with insurgents on the way to the rebel stronghold of Benghazi Thursday as the US mulls aerial bombardment to stop Qaddafi’s forces. According to Libya’s state TV, explosions and gunfire were heard around the airport close to Benghazi, the city where the uprising began after Qaddafi launched his counter attack.