The United Nations Security Council decided, literally at the eleventh hour tonight, to authorise force against Gaddafi forces in Libya, in defence of civilians.
The resolution was approved by the 15-member council after veto-holding Russia and China decided to abstain, along with India, Brazil and Germany.
There were celebrations in Benghazi when the decision was announced, while Libya said the decision was illegal and immoral.
The vote could not have come a moment too soon for rebel forces, with Gaddafi’s forces starting their decisive attacks on Benghazi and Col Gaddafi saying on radio that no mercy would be shown and the ‘terrorists’ would be sought ‘house by house’.
The French government indicated, just before the vote, that bombing of Libyan targets could start within hours of authorisation by the UN.
The resolution was presented by France, the UK, the US and Lebanon.
Malta has said it will not participate in military action or be used as a base for military action.The Prime Minister has said, however, that Malta will not stand idly by if there is a genocide.
In circumstances such as this, the Maltese Constitutional provisions on neutrality do not apply since the use of force is authorised by the Security Council.
EXCERPTS FROM THE RESOLUTION
Here are key points of the draft resolution to be voted on by the UN Security Council later Thursday authorizing the use of military force to protect civilians from Libyan government forces
Tonight’s resolution expresses "grave concern at the deteriorating situation, the escalation of violence, and the heavy civilian casualties," in Libya as Gaddafi forces battle rebels in the North African country. Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, which permits action "with respect to threats to the peace" and "acts of aggression" the resolution:
-- "Demands the immediate establishment of a ceasefire and a complete end to violence and all attacks against, and abuses of, civilians;
-- "Stresses the need to intensify efforts to find a solution to the crisis which responds to the legitimate demands of the Libyan people and notes the decisions of the Secretary-General to send his Special Envoy to Libya and of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union to send its ad hoc High Level Committee to Libya with the aim of facilitating dialogue to lead to the political reforms necessary to find a peaceful and sustainable solution;
-- "Demands that the Libyan authorities comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, human rights and refugee law and take all measures to protect civilians and meet their basic needs, and to ensure the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian assistance;
-- "Authorizes member states ... to take all necessary measures ... to protect civilians and civilian populated areas under threat of attack in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, including Benghazi, while excluding a foreign occupation force of any form on any part of Libyan territory..."
-- "Decides to establish a ban on all flights in the airspace of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya in order to help protect civilians;"
-- "Calls upon all member states, acting nationally or through regional organizations or arrangements, to provide assistance, including any necessary over-flight approvals, for the purposes of implementing" the no-fly zone.
-- "Calls upon all member states, in particular states of the region, acting nationally or through regional organisations or arrangements, in order to ensure strict implementation of the arms embargo established (by Resolution 1970) to inspect in their territory, including seaports and airports, and on the high seas, vessels and aircraft bound to or from the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya..."
-- "Deplores the continuing flows of mercenaries into the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and calls upon all member states to comply strictly with their obligations under (Resolution 1970) to prevent the supply of armed mercenary personnel to the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya;
-- "Decides that all states shall deny permission to any aircraft registered in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya or owned or operated by Libyan nationals or companies to take off from, land in or overfly their territory unless the particular flight has been approved in advance by the Committee, or in the case of an emergency landing;
-- "Decides that all States shall deny permission to any aircraft to take off from, land in or overfly their territory, if they have information that provides reasonable grounds to believe that the aircraft contains items the supply, sale, transfer, or export of which is prohibited ... including the provision of armed mercenary personnel, except in the case of an emergency landing;
-- "Decides that the asset freeze imposed by (Resolution 1970) shall apply to all funds, other financial assets and economic resources which are on their territories, which are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Libyan authorities ... or by individuals or entities acting on their behalf or at their direction..."
-- "Affirms its determination to ensure that assets frozen pursuant to (Resolution 1970) shall, at a later stage, as soon as possible be made available to and for the benefit of the people of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya."