U.N. declares end to Libyan arms embargo

Sept. 19, 2011

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- A U.N. Security measure Council for a mission to support the Libyan transitional government includes the lifting of an arms embargo, the United Nations said.

Security Council member unanimously agreed to a resolution to create a three-month U.N. Support Mission in Libya. The measure includes the lifting of an arms embargo, unfreezes some assets and ends the no-fly zone enacted by the Security Council in March.

"In this resolution, as well as the General Assembly's approval earlier today of the Transitional National Council's credentials to represent Libya, we all stand witness to the birth of a new Libya," said Susan Rice, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, in statements following the Security Council vote.

Humanitarian groups had expressed concern over reports of human rights abuses that allegedly occurred at the hands of fighters loyal to the Transitional National Council in Libya. Some reports suggested some of Libya's advanced weapons had wound up in the wrong hangs.

The United Nations stated that UNSMIL will help transitional leaders extend state authority, protect human rights and restore public services.

The new mission will also take immediate steps to kick-start economic recovery in the war-torn state. Transitional leaders had said oil production, a major source of revenue for Libya, could resume at some level by the end of the month.

Source: United Press International (UPI).
Link: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2011/09/19/UN-declares-end-to-Libyan-arms-embargo/UPI-51991316452388/.