Situation in Libya
Government Communications Unit
Press release 82/2011
18.3.2011
On Friday, 18 March, the President of the Republic and the Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed the situation in Libya. Late on Thursday evening, the UN Security Council adopted resolution 1973 under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. This resolution authorises the use of force to protect civilians and to ensure unimpeded passage of humanitarian assistance in Libya. The resolution is a further step to Security Council resolution 1970 which included decisions concerning sanctions against Libya, travel bans, asset freezes and an arms embargo. Despite the UN decisions, Libyan leaders have continued excessive use of force on civilians and violation of human rights.
The new Security Council resolution calls for an immediate ceasefire and stop to the violence against civilians. With the resolution, the Security Council answers the request made by the League of Arab States and provides for the use of force to protect civilians with all necessary measures. The resolution established a no-fly zone in Libyan airspace but excluded foreign occupation forces on Libyan territory. The resolution also enhances sanctions imposed earlier and authorises the implementation of the arms embargo.
The President of the European Council Herman and the EU High Representative welcomed Resolution 1973 and expressed their full support to UN demand for a complete end to the violence and all attacks against, and abuses of, civilians, and finding a solution to the crisis. The Union emphasises that all necessary measures are to be taken to protect civilians and that Resolution 1973 provides a clear legal basis for the members of the international community to that end. For its part, the European Union is ready to implement the resolution within the scope of its mandate and competence. The Libyan situation is on the agenda of the EU Foreign Ministers’ meeting on 21 March and the European Council will also discuss the matter in its meeting on 24-25 March.
Finland is satisfied that the UN Security Council has adopted a resolution on Libya and hopes that violence against civilians be ended immediately. Finland stresses the need behind the resolution to protect the Libyan civilian population and provide support to deliver humanitarian assistance to the region. The resolution provides the international community with a legal basis for such action.
Finland underlines the international community’s readiness to act together. A UN Security Council resolution is the right instrument for decisions on such powerful measures. It is essential that the decision has the support of the region. The active role taken by the Arab League and other countries in the region has been significant. It is important that cooperation between the EU, the UN, the Arab League, the African Union and the rest of the international community remain close.
Inquiries: Anu Laamanen, Deputy Director General, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 9 1605 5519 and Helena Tuuri, Director General, Head of Unit, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 40 553 3494