A week after the Security Council authorized "all necessary measures" to protect civilians in Libya from Colonel Muammar Al-Qadhafi's forces, speedy and decisive action by the world community remains crucial amid serious concerns of human rights abuses, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today.
"The international community has acted together to avert a potential larger-scale crisis. I expect the international community to continue to exercise full diligence in avoiding civilian casualties and collateral damage," he told the 15-member body in a briefing requested by the resolution at the start of consultations on the air and missile strikes launched by several countries to enforce a no-fly zone and hit pro-Qadhafi forces besieging civilians in cities.
"Given the critical situation on the ground, it is imperative that we continue to act with speed and decision. The resolution places great responsibilities on the UN system. I assure you that we will work closely with Member States and regional organizations to coordinate a common, effective and timely response," he said, citing the resolutions goal of stopping "the brutal campaign of violence by the Libyan regime against its own people."
In a later encounter with journalists he stressed that the resolution was not aiming for regime change but to protect civilians "because Colonel Qadhafi has been killing his own people." Among the "serious concerns" he cited were "arrests, disappearances, threats and incitement, including by Colonel Qadhafi on national television."
Mr. Ban told the Council that although the Libyan authorities have repeatedly claimed to have instituted a ceasefire, there has been no evidence that that is the case.
"To the contrary, fierce battles have continued in or around the cities of Ajdabiya, Misratah and Zitan, among others. In short, there is no evidence that Libyan authorities have taken steps to carry out their obligations under Resolutions 1970 or 1973," he said, referring to last week's resolution and an earlier one calling for a ceasefire and full protection of civilians.
"We continue to have serious concerns… about the protection of civilians, abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law, and the access of civilian populations to basic commodities and services in areas currently under siege."
He detailed the recent visit to the North African country by Special Envoy for Libya Abdel Elah Al Khatib. In Tripoli, the capital, Libyan Foreign Minister Musa Kusa told Mr. Khatib the Government had been forced to act by perceived threats from Al-Qaida and Islamist terrorists, adding that it offered amnesty to rebels who laid down their arms and rebel forces should also be required to abide by any ceasefire.
In Tobruk, eastern Libya, Mr. Khatib met with the armed opposition, who reiterated their call for a ceasefire and lifting the siege by Government forces on some cities in rebel hands. "They also expressed deep concern about the hardships inflicted on the Libyan people and demanded an end to the use of tanks and heavy weaponry targeting civilians," Mr. Ban said.