Khawar Qureshi QC examines the legality of the UN’s stance on Libya
Since early 2011, what appears to have begun as expression of dissent and dissatisfaction at the Gaddafi regime has developed, from around the middle of February 2011, into an internal armed conflict. This has led—for the time being at least—to the de facto division of Libya into an eastern (oil rich) sector which is controlled by opposition forces, whilst the Gaddafi hold remains strong in Tripoli and the western part of Libya.
In the midst of such rapid developments at the diplomatic and military level concerning the Gaddafi regime, it is important to remember that Libya is no stranger to UN sanctions or bombing by NATO member state warplanes.
On 15 April 1986, in purported retaliation for alleged involvement of the Libyan regime in terrorist attacks, US planes dropped bombs on Libyan territory. From 1993 to 2003, Libya was subjected to UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) based economic sanctions as a result of alleged involvement in the destruction of Pan Am Flight
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