Arab League bars Libya from meetings, citing violence
The U.N. Security Council upbraided Libya’s rulers early Wednesday for the attacks launched 
by forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi against peaceful demonstrators and called for those responsible for such attacks to be held to account, as the Arab League suspended the participation of Libya in its council meetings. A statement agreed by the 15-nation council after a day of debate on the clashes in the oil-producing North African country expressed grave concern at the situation there and the deaths of hundreds of civilians. It called for an immediate end to violence and “steps to address the legitimate demands of the population, including through national dialogue.”
Defiant Gaddafi
But a Libyan diplomat said he had information that since Gaddafi gave an angry speech earlier warning he would crush opposition, “genocide” attacks had started in western cities in Libya.
The Council members “condemned the violence and use of force against civilians, deplored the repression against peaceful demonstrators and expressed deep regret at the deaths of hundreds of civilians.”
They also “underscored the need to hold to account those responsible for attacks, including by forces under their control, on civilians,” said a statement released after three hours of consultations and negotiations.
“They called for an immediate end to the violence and for steps to address the legitimate concerns of the population.”
The council said the Libyan government must “protect its population,” allow access to international human rights monitors and humanitarian agencies and ensure the safety of foreigners, as well as help those who want to leave.
Libyan diplomats who have broken with strongman Gaddafi called on the U.N. Security Council to hold the meeting and requested a U.N. no-fly zone over the country as well as humanitarian action. But diplomats said these plans were not discussed.
Ibrahim Dabbashi, the Libyan deputy ambassador, told reporters the council statement “was not strong enough” and that since Gaddafi’s defiant speech, attacks on civilians had started in western Libya.
He named Gharyan, Zuwarah and other cities that he said were under attack by army units loyal to Gaddafi. Dabbashi did not give the source of his information or say what kind of attacks were being staged.
“They are attacking all the people in cities in western Libya,” he said.
“Certainly the people have no arms. Now I think genocide started now in Libya,” he added before being escorted away by U.N. security guards.
Diplomatic twist
But in a bizarre diplomatic twist, Libya’s U.N. Ambassador Abdurrahman Shalgham, who was away from New York on Monday and did not sign onto the anti-Gaddafi statement, arrived at the Security Council in mid-morning after discussions had started.
Shalgham, who said he backed Gaddafi but wanted an end to the violence, addressed the council and not Dabbashi.
Delegates at the closed-door session said Shalgham admitted a tragedy was unfolding in Libya and that reform was needed.
Gaddafi earlier ordered his forces to crush an uprising that has rocked his 41-year rule for the past week, warning armed protesters they will be executed and vowing to fight to the end.
The longest-serving Arab ruler vowed to remain in Libya as leader, saying he would die as a martyr in the land of his ancestors and fight to the “last drop” of his blood.
Gaddafi’s speech was also deplored by U.N. political chief Lynn Pascoe, who told journalists after briefing the council on Libya that “anyone who is inciting populations against themselves … is a very dangerous thing.”
Tuesday’s statement was the first by the Security Council on the wave of unrest sweeping the Arab world that has already toppled the leaders in Tunisia and Egypt. Diplomats said the scale of the violence in Libya had prompted it to act.
The statement urged Libya’s authorities to exercise restraint, respect human rights and grant immediate access to rights monitors and aid agencies. The government should respect freedom of assembly, of expression and of the press, it added.
Arab League
The Arab League earlier suspended the participation of Libya in its council meetings, citing the North African government’s crackdown on protesters.
“The Arab League condemns crimes against the current peaceful popular protests and demonstrations in several Libyan cities,” Secretary General Amr Moussa told reporters in Cairo after the group met.
He said the security forces use of live rounds, heavy weapons and foreign mercenaries is a grave breach of human rights.
“The organization calls for respecting Libyans’ right to freedom of protest and expression as they demand democratic change,” he said.
“Humanitarian aid must be allowed into the country,” the Arab League leader said.
“Libya will be barred from taking part in the Arab League’s meetings until leader Muammar Gaddafi responds to the organization’s demands,” Moussa said.
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