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End of Libyan Crisis Remains Unclear

The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General Abdel Elah al-Khatib today highlighted that it remained unclear how long the current situation in Libya would last.

The international community must continue to work together to help the people of Libya find a solution to their conflict. It is clear that the international community must continue to come together and do all it can to support this quest for a solution especially in providing the necessary support for the United Nations to fully implement the Security Council resolutions 1970 and 1973."- Abdel Elah al-Khatib

Resolution 1970 adopted in February imposes sanctions against the Libyan authorities, including an arms embargo and a freeze of the assets of the country's leaders and a referral of the violent repression of civilian protesters to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Last month, the Council passed resolution 1973, permitting the use of "all necessary measures" to prevent further attacks and the loss of innocent lives in Libya, where the regime of Muammar al-Qadhafi has conducted a military offensive against citizens seeking his removal from power.

"Despite the effectiveness of the efforts by coalition members to implement a no-fly zone and protect civilians, the fighting has continued between ground forces of the armed opposition and Colonel Qadhafi loyalists."- Mr. al-Khatib told the Council.

He said information on the humanitarian situation in Libya remained limited due to a lack of access, but added that it is feared there are significant civilian protection concerns such as landmines, gender-based violence and human rights violations.

"Overall humanitarian conditions, especially in and around areas of where fighting is taking place remain grave, particularly regarding medical and protection needs."-Mr. al-Khatib

The envoy said he had, during his meeting last week in Tripoli with Libyan Government officials, stressed to them the demands of the international community.

Source: United Nations