US calls upon UN to authorise Libya air strikes

Moscow, March 17 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The US ambassador to the UN has said the UN Security Council should consider not just a no-fly zone over Libya, but also the aerial bombing of forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi.

Forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi are advancing on rebel-held territories in the east of the war-ravaged country. The rebels say they fear genocide unless the UN acts swiftly.

'The US view is that we need to be prepared to contemplate steps that include but perhaps go beyond a no-fly zone, at this point, as the situation on the ground has evolved and as a no-fly zone has inherent limitations in terms of protection of civilians at immediate risk,' Ambassador Susan Rice told reporters in New York.

She said the US would be pushing for an early vote on a draft resolution, backed by the US, Britain, France and Germany.

But diplomats say its controversial wording authorising 'all necessary measures' to protect civilians - which some interpret as code for military action including air strikes - means it is unclear if it could be put to a vote Thursday.

Russia is against all military intervention in Libya. Russian ambassador Vitaly Churkin put forward a counter-resolution calling for a cease-fire but it fell though.

Gaddafi's forces say they gained control of the strategic town of Ajdabiya Tuesday, the last town before the rebel stronghold of Benghazi, but the rebels are denying this.

One of Gaddafi's sons, Saif al-Islam, said Wednesday the army would capture Benghazi within 48 hours.

--IANS/RIA Novosti

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