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March 18, 2011
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/libya-declares-ceasefire-after-un-vote-2245710.html
Libya has declared an immediate ceasefire after the UN authorised a no-fly zone and "all necessary measures" to prevent the regime from attacking its own people.
But a rebel spokesman said Muammar Gaddafi's forces were still shelling two cities.
The United States said a ceasefire announcement was insufficient, calling on the regime to pull back from eastern Libya where the rebels found themselves facing rockets, artillery, tanks, warplanes.
Eastern Libya has the majority of Libya's oil reserves - the largest in Africa.
Oil prices slid after the cease-fire announcement, plunging about 2.50 dollars in the first 15 minutes of New York trading. By midday, they stood at 101 dollars.
Mustafa Gheriani, a spokesman for the rebels, said attacks continued well past the announcement, which came after a fierce government attack on Misrata, the last rebel-held city in the western half of the country. A doctor said at least six people died.
"He's bombing Misrata and Adjadbiya from 7 am this morning until now. How can you trust him?" Gheriani said.
The UN Security Council resolution, which passed late on Thursday, set the stage for air strikes, a no-fly zone and other military measures short of a ground invasion.
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