The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously yesterday to end
the NATO-led no-fly zone over Libya, marking the conclusion of a controversial
military conflict that deeply divided the 15-nation security body, but ended
with the collapse of one of the world's most reviled dictatorships.
Yesterday's action came one week after Africa's longest
ruling leader, Col. Muammar al-Qaddafi, was killed in the custody of
militia fighting under the banner of the National Transitional Council. The
Security Council decided to terminate by Oct. 31 a U.N. mandate which has
permitted foreign forces to enforce a no-fly zone and to use military force to
protect civilians during the past seven months.
Following the vote, U.S. ambassador Susan Rice hailed the council's role in halting Qaddafi's crackdown
on civilians and unmitigated success.
"For the United Nations Security Council, this closes what I
think history will judge to be a proud chapter in the Security Council's
history," she told reporters. The council, she added, "acted promptly and
effectively to prevent mass slaughter in Benghazi and other parts of the east,
and to effectively protect civilians over the course of the last many months."
The council's decision ended months of acrimonious debate.
China, Brazil, Russia, and India -- who joined Germany in abstaining on the
vote authorizing the use of force -- had sharply criticized the NATO-led
military coalition, saying its role in aiding the rebel campaign exceeded the
Security Council mandate to use force only for the protection of civilians.
In the end, however, those governments gave their approval
to a resolution that welcomed the "positive developments in Libya which will
improve the prospects for a democratic, peaceful and prosperous future" for the
North African country.
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