India says it authorises far reaching measures on Libya

New Delhi, Mar 18: After abstaining from voting for a resolution in the UN Security Council imposing a no-fly zone over battle-torn Libya, India today said it authorises far reaching measures with "relatively little credible" information on the situation on the ground in Libya.

"Maintaining that it has been following with serious concern the developments in Libya, which have led to loss of numerous lives and injuries to many more", it said.

"We deplore the use of force, which is totally unacceptable, and must not be resorted to. We are very concerned with the welfare of the civilian population and foreigners in Libya."

India also said that it has not had the benefit of the report of the Special Envoy appointed by the UN Secretary- General or even a report from the Secretariat on his assessment as yet which would have given it an objective analysis of the situation on ground.

"The African Union (AU) is also sending a High Level Panel to Libya to make serious efforts for a peaceful end to the crisis there. We must stress the importance of political efforts, including those of the Secretary-General's Special Envoy, to address the situation," it said in its Explanation of Vote.

"The resolution that the Council has adopted today authorises far reaching measures under Chapter VII of the UN Charter with relatively little credible information on the situation on the ground in Libya.

"We also do not have clarity about details of enforcement measures, including who and with what assets will participate and how these measures will be exactly carried out.

It is, of course, very important that there is full respect for sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Libya," the Explanation of Vote said.

New Delhi also said that the financial measures that are proposed in the resolution could impact, directly or through indirect routes, ongoing trade and investment activities of a number of member-states thereby adversely affecting the economic interests of the Libyan people and others dependent on these trade and economic ties.

"Moreover, we had to ensure that the measures will mitigate and not exacerbate an already difficult situation for the people of Libya. Clarity in the resolution on any spill- over affects of these measures would have been very important," it said.

However, it clearly said that India would like to re- emphasize that it continues to be gravely concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Libya and calls on the Libyan authorities to cease fire, protect the civilian population and address the legitimate demands of the Libyan people.

Five nations, including China, India and Russsia, abstained from voting at the UNSC for a resolution approving a no-fly zone over Libya and authorising all necessary measures to protect civilians in the strife-torn North African country.

PTI