U.N. Security Council ends Libya’s no-fly zone and NATO’s military operations there

The U.N. Security Council unanimously voted Thursday to end the mandate for international military action in Libya, closing another chapter in the war against Muammar Qaddafi

The 15-member council ordered an end to authorization for a no-fly zone and action to protect civilians from 11:59 pm Libyan time on October 31. The mandate was approved in March after Qaddafi launched a deadly assault on opposition protests.

NATO, which carried out the airstrikes that played a key role in the downfall of Qaddafi, says it is studying new ways to help the National Transitional Council, which had asked for an extension to the mandate.

The alliance’s decision-making body, the North Atlantic Council, is due to meet Friday in Brussels to formally declare an end to its seven-month-old air war.

Security Council Resolution 2016 also eased an international arms embargo so that the NTC can acquire weapons and equipment for its national security.

It ended an assets freeze on the Libyan National Oil Corporation and virtually all restrictions on the central bank and other key institutions. It completely ended the ban on international flights by registered Libyan planes.

The 15-nation council met at 1400 GMT to vote on a Russian-drafted resolution, obtained by Al Arabiya.

The plan to cancel the mandate comes despite a request from Libya’s interim government for the Security Council to wait until the National Transitional Council makes a decision on whether it wants NATO to help it secure its borders.

The U.N. draft resolution

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolutions 1970 (2011) of 26 February 2011, 1973 (2011) of 17 March 2011, and 2009 (2011) of 16 September 2011,

Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Libya,

Taking note of the National Transitional Council’s “Declaration of Liberation” of 23 October 2011 in Libya,

Looking forward to a future for Libya based on national reconciliation, justice, respect for human rights and the rule of law,

Reiterating the importance of promoting the full and effective participation of members of all social and ethnic groups, including the equal participation of women and minority communities in the discussions related to the post-conflict phase,

Recalling its decision to refer the situation in Libya to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, and the importance of cooperation for ensuring that those responsible for violations of human rights and international humanitarian law or complicit in attacks targeting the civilian population are held accountable,

Reiterating that the voluntary and sustainable return of refugees and internally displaced persons will be an important factor for the consolidation of peace in Libya,

Expressing concern at the proliferation of arms in Libya and its potential impact on regional peace and security, and also expressing its intention expeditiously to address that issue further,

Expressing grave concern about continuing reports of reprisals, arbitrary detentions, wrongful imprisonment and extra-judicial executions in Libya,

Reiterating its call to the Libyan authorities to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, including those of people belonging to vulnerable groups, to comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law, and urging respect for the human rights of all people in Libya, including former officials and detainees, during and after the transitional period,

Recalling its decisions in resolution 2009 (2011) to:

(a)modify the provisions of the arms embargo imposed by paragraph 9 of resolution 1970 to provide for additional exemptions,

(b)terminate the asset freeze imposed by paragraphs 17, 19, 20 and 21 of resolution 1970 (2011) and paragraph 19 of resolution 1973 (2011) with respect to the Libyan National Oil Corporation and Zueitina Oil Company, and to modify the asset freeze imposed by paragraphs 17, 19, 20 and 21 of resolution 1970 (2011) and paragraph 19 of resolution 1973 (2011) with respect to the Central Bank of Libya, the Libyan Arab Foreign Bank, the Libyan Investment Authority, and the Libyan Africa Investment Portfolio, and

(c)cease the measures imposed by paragraph 17 of resolution 1973 (2011),

Recalling also its intention to keep the measures imposed by paragraphs 6 to 12 of resolution 1973 (2011) under continuous review and to lift, as appropriate and when circumstances permit, those measures and to terminate authorization given to Member States in paragraph 4 of resolution 1973 (2011), in consultation with the Libyan authorities,

Mindful of its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security under the Charter of the United Nations,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1.Welcomes the positive developments in Libya which will improve the prospects for a democratic, peaceful and prosperous future there;

2.Looks forward to the swift establishment of an inclusive, representative transitional Government of Libya, and reiterates the need for the transitional period to be underpinned by a commitment to democracy, good governance, rule of law, national reconciliation and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people in Libya;

3.Strongly urges the Libyan authorities to refrain from reprisals, including arbitrary detentions, calls upon the Libyan authorities to take all steps necessary to prevent reprisals, wrongful imprisonment and extra-judicial executions, and underscores the Libyan authorities’ responsibility for the protection of its population, including foreign nationals and African migrants;

4.Urges all Member States to cooperate closely with the Libyan authorities in their efforts to end impunity for violations of international human rights and international humanitarian law;

Protection of Civilians

5.Decides that the provisions of paragraphs 4 and 5 of resolution 1973 (2011) shall be terminated from 23:59 Libyan local time on 31 October 2011;

No-Fly Zone

6.Decides also that the provisions of paragraphs 6 to 12 of resolution 1973 (2011) shall be terminated from 23:59 Libyan local time on 31 October 2011;


7.Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.