Libyan Government Declares a Cease-Fire

The Gadhafi government has declared a cease-fire in its offensive against opposition fighters, apparently in response to U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973, which calls for a no-fly zone and “all necessary measures” to protect Libyan civilians. —JCL

The BBC:

The announcement came as a coalition of Western and Arab nations prepared for air strikes against Libyan forces.

Before the ceasefire announcement, heavy fighting was continuing.

Rebels said government forces had been bombarding the western city of Misrata—but the government denied that this had continued after the ceasefire.

Military action short of an occupation was sanctioned by the United Nations Security Council on Thursday evening.

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news.bbc.co.uk

Libyan Foreign Minister Mussa Kussa announces the ceasefire at a news conference in Tripoli on Friday.