The League of Arab States said Saturday that it supports a no-fly zone over Libya. The league also said it recognizes the members of the rebel-created government in Libya as the country’s legitimate leaders.
Although the league’s role is mostly symbolic, its recognition gives NATO more justification to act in Libya in the eyes of the Arab world.
On Friday NATO said it wanted the Arab League to back the no-fly zone before it took action.
The United States welcomed the decision saying the support is an “important step by the Arab League.”
Over the weekend, Moammar Gadhafi’s troops claimed to have retaken control over the city of Brega, and that they are now advancing on a rebel stronghold in the city of Benghazi.
Gadhafi has frequently used aerial bomb attacks in his efforts to reclaim cities over the past weeks, with the aerial attacks giving Gadhafi a large tactical advantage over the rebels.
Although the league’s role is mostly symbolic, its recognition gives NATO more justification to act in Libya in the eyes of the Arab world.
On Friday NATO said it wanted the Arab League to back the no-fly zone before it took action.
The United States welcomed the decision saying the support is an “important step by the Arab League.”
Over the weekend, Moammar Gadhafi’s troops claimed to have retaken control over the city of Brega, and that they are now advancing on a rebel stronghold in the city of Benghazi.
Gadhafi has frequently used aerial bomb attacks in his efforts to reclaim cities over the past weeks, with the aerial attacks giving Gadhafi a large tactical advantage over the rebels.
