Libya Declares New Ceasefire; Arab Concern That Allies Exceeding UN Mandate

Libya has declared a second ceasefire as allied forces hit Tripoli destroying a building in Muammar Qaddafi’s residence.

As warplanes took off from Italian bases and anti-aircraft guns roared in the Libyan capital, Kadhafi’s army announced a new ceasefire Sunday, saying it was heeding an African Union call for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

But the United States accused Tripoli of lying about the ceasefire or breaching it immediately.

And United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said in a swift reaction: “I sincerely hope and urge the Libyan authorities to keep their word.

“They have been continuing to attack the civilian population. This (offer) has to be verified and tested,” he said.

The United States is claiming it is not targeting Qaddafi or his residences. The Arab League, which had called for a no-fly zone, is expressing concern that operations are going beyond what the UN called for.

“What has happened in Libya differs from the goal of imposing a no-fly zone and what we want is the protection of civilians and not bombing other civilians,” League Secretary General Amr Mussa told reporters.

“From the start we requested only that a no-fly zone be set up to protect Libyan civilians and avert any other developments or additional measures.”

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.