The passing of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSC) 1973 to impose a no-fly zone over Libya is seen as critical in changing the dynamics of the conflict but it has come rather late. However the Resolution was passed just before Qaddafi's troops could secure some of the major rebel strongholds, including Benghazi.
The resolution commits members to "take all necessary measures, to protect civilians and civilian populated areas under threat of attack".
Jointly proposed by Britain, France and Lebanon, with the backing of the USA, the resolution was passed with ten votes in favour and five abstentions in the 15-member council. Permanent members: United States, Britain and France, and non-permanent members; Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia, Gabon, Lebanon, NIGERIA , Portugal, South Africa voted in support while five others, including permanent members; China and Russia, and non-permanent members; Germany, Brazil, India abstained.
The clearest import of a no fly zone is that it would prevent Qaddafi's regime from using airpower to suppress the rebellion, otherwise known as the Interim Governing Council.
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