March 2, 1:32pm 8:32pm Li Baodong, the Chinese ambassador to the UN, appeared to rule out a Security Council resolution endorsing the use of force to oust Gaddafi, saying his country's position on Libya is very clear, "We are very concerned about the situation in Libya ... We respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Libya. This is the first principle. The second principle is that we think the political crisis should be resolved through peaceful means, such as a dialogue."
March 2, 12:50pm 7:50pm The Arab League is the latest to say it could impose a no-fly zone - in coordination with the African Union if fighting continues, said secretary-general Amr Moussa. He told reporters: The Arab League will not stand with its hands tied while the blood of the brotherly Libyan people is spilt. The Arab League today suspended Libya, in protest at its crackdown on protesters, although Libya's ambassador to the
league had already resigned
March 2, 1:16pm 7:46pm We've been told that the
newly formed National Council in Benghazi
has gone a step further than the many calls for an internationally enforced no-fly zone. Spokesman Abdel Hafiz Khoga tells Al Jazeera's correspondent:
" We call on the international community to carry out pinpointed airstrikes on the mercenaries "
March 2, 12:41pm 7:41pm More on that Robert Gates press conference. Gates, US defence secretary, said: There’s a lot of frankly loose talk about some of these military options and let's just call a spade a spade. A no-fly zone begins with an attack on Libya to destroy the air defences, that’s the way you do a no-fly zone, and then you can fly planes around the country and not worry about our guys being shot down. But that’s the way it starts. But it also requires more airplanes than you would find on a single aircraft carrier. So it is a big operation in a big country.
March 2, 9:09am EST - 4:09pm Gaddafi finishes his 3hr speech - " I hope that Obama will pursue a normal policy - he is not a colonialist yankee. Obama can steer us and Europe away from another Vietnam [anti-Gaddafi forces] will fail. The US or China or anywhere else wouldn't stand for armed gangs. They have no agenda but to intimidate. Libyans should live up to their responsibilities. I will personally guarantee pardons ... The unemployed can easily find jobs because of the exodus of foreigners. People getting married can get loans and repay them in 20 years. They can get a loan for a car or house and pay it back in 20 years ... We can't allow oil installations or airports to be controlled by armed men. We cannot allow NATO or us to set foot on Libya. They will set foot in hell - worse than Afghanistan. I hope that Obama will pursue a normal policy - he is not a colonialist yankee. Obama can steer us and Europe away from another Vietnam To conclude: We accept this challenge - or we will hand out arms to 3million people. It will become another Vietnam, another historic battle. Outside forces should realise Muammar Gaddafi isn't a president who can resign, or a king to abandon a throne. I already handed over power on the blood of my forefathers ... [Even] if Libyans leave, I cannot abandon Libyan soil ... My father left behind seven children in the desert. My family died in defence of the country. My grandfather brought up the family ... Even if you leave, Gaddafi will stay in the lands of the forefathers... Muammar Gaddafi will still be leading the revolution.
