The United Nations Security Council, after days of debate, passed Resolution 1973 on March 17th authorizing member states to impose and enforce a no-fly zone in Libya and to "take all necessary measures" to protect civilians and civilian populated areas under threat of attack by Col. Moammar Qaddafi's forces, including the rebel stronghold of Benghazi. In addition to authorizing the use of military force if necessary under Article VII of the United Nations Charter, the resolution, passed with ten votes in favor and five countries abstaining (Russia, China, Brazil, Germany and India), includes provisions calling for an immediate ceasefire, a beefed up arms embargo, banning certain flights taking off to and landing from Libya and expanded asset freezes. However, the resolution explicitly rules out any "occupation force" in Libya.
