Resolution 1973 on Libya emphasizes the “protection of civilians”.
(BRUSSELS 2) Mission accomplished! can say Alain Juppé, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, of which this is in a way the first test, successful, at this post. The text of the UN Security Council resolution, which bears the number 1973, imposing measures of force on Libya was voted around 18 p.m. (New York time, 24 hours Paris / Brussels) without firing a shot. And it takes up most of the provisions provided for in the draft resolution (of which I had given the first elements): No Fly zone, protection of civilians, ban on Libyan flights, extension of the freezing to all of Libya's economic resources, expert committee. Better, one could say that it clarifies them, and hardens them in places.
A hardened and precise text
After a quick comparison (I just got the final text), four elements are added:
- A considering stressing that the establishment of the ban on all aircraft in Libyan airspace "constitutes an important element for the protection of civilians as well as the security of the delivery of humanitarian assistance and a decisive step for the cessation of hostilities in Libya".
- a call to a cease fire immediate and the end complete (and no longer just immediate) of violence and all attacks, and abuse, against civilians (underlined words = addition)
- the need to intensify efforts to find a solution to the crisis ("by responding to the demands of the Libyan people").
- the chapter on protection of civilians is reassembled and rewritten. It continues to authorize Member States - on the condition of having notified the Secretary-General (and no longer a mere information) - to "take all necessary measures to protect civilians and areas populated by civilians under threat of attack in Libya, including Benghazi" (this city is named). this "excludes a foreign occupying force in any form or part of Libyan territory". This is the main point which is new and therefore satisfies both the Arab countries and Russia. He can also avoid an Afghan scenario.
The text keeps a key role in the Arab League but in a different form: it recognizes a "important role in areas relating to the maintenance of international peace and security in the region and calls on the countries of the Arab League to cooperate with the other Member States"for the enforcement of this protection of civilians.
It should be noted that the resolution now includes the five entities: Central Bank of Libya, Libyan Investment Authority... already included in the list drawn up by the European Union.
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