LIBYA: UN Security Council discusses draft resolution that includes sanctions

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The UN Security Council met behind closed doors Saturday to discuss the escalating situation in Libya, a day after Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the violent actions in the country. Members circulated a draft resolution that would impose international sanctions, including an arms embargo and travel ban for members of the Kadafi regime.

The draft resolution also calls for members of the regime to be investigated for possible crimes against humanity in the International Criminal Court, according to the New York Times.

The 15-member Security Council has the power, under Chapter 7 of the United Nations Charter, to determine the existence of any threats to peace, and take action to ‘restore international peace and security’. Chapter 7 has previously been used to deal with situations in Somalia and Rwanda.

Ban urged the council Friday to ‘consider concrete action.’ In his remarks, he said:

The challenge for us now is how to provide real protection and do all we can to halt the ongoing violence. As you look to your next steps, I urge you to consider a wide range of options for action. Some of the proposals being considered by you include: the imposition of trade and financial sanctions, including targeted measures against the leadership such as a ban on travel and the freezing of financial assets.

The Security Council is expected to vote on a resolution Saturday. Ban said he was going to Washington on Monday to meet with President Obama. The president moved to freeze the assets of Kadafi and his associates on Friday, and declared a national emergency to deal with the situation there.

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-- Alana Semuels