Libya declares ceasefire after UN no-fly resolution

Tripoli, Mar 18(ANI): Libya's government has declared an immediate ceasefire, hours after a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution backed a no-fly zone over the country.

Libyan Foreign Minister Mussa Kussa said that the ceasefire was intended "to protect civilians", the BBC reports.

The UN resolution supported "all necessary measures" to protect civilians, including air strikes.

Before the announcement of the ceasefire, heavy fighting between troops loyal to Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi and rebel forces was reported to be continuing.

The pro-Gaddafi forces have been advancing eastwards towards the rebel stronghold of Benghazi.

Ten of the UNSC's 15 member states had voted in favour of the resolution, while Russia, China and Germany were among the five that abstained.

The resolution was co-sponsored by France, Britain, Lebanon and the United States.

Apart from military action, it expands sanctions against Gaddafi and associates. Among firms whose assets it orders frozen are the Libyan National Oil Corp and the central bank. (ANI)