Libyan refugee and food crisis looms‎, UN suspends Libya from Rights Council, citing abuses‎

http://timesofearth.com/Worldnews/?NT=0&nid=34137 In total around 140000 people are believed to have fled into Tunisia and Egypt since the uprising began, creating a refugee crisis.

Geneva - The United Nations General Assembly has suspended Libya from the U.N. Human Rights Council, citing "gross and systematic violations of human rights" by leader Moammar Gaddafi's government against protesters in the North African nation.

The resolution was adopted Tuesday in the 192-nation assembly following a recommendation by the Geneva-based rights council. It is the latest international effort to isolate Mr. Gaddafi's government for its brutal crackdown on opposition protests.

This decision does not permanently remove Libya from the council, but prevents it from participating until the General Assembly determines whether to restore the country to full status.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the move. He also expressed strong support for the Security Council's referral of Libya to the International Criminal Court. He said these actions send a strong message that "there is no impunity, that those who commit crimes against humanity will be punished."

Mr. Ban called the latest reports from Libya "sobering," noting his grave concern at Mr. Gaddafi's "clear incitement to violence against the civilian population." He said arms depots and arsenals have been opened to what he called pro-government "gangs who terrorize communities." The U.N. chief also cited what he described as "credible and consistent reports" detailing allegations of "extra-judicial killings, arbitrary arrests, detention and torture."

Referring to "serious indications" of a growing refugee crisis, Mr. Ban said "significant efforts" are under way to facilitate the return of stranded migrant workers to their home countries. Mr. Ban said more than 110,000 civilians have crossed the Tunisian and Egyptian borders, and that thousands more arrive "by the hour."

The secretary-general also looked beyond the Libyan crisis and its immediate humanitarian and security needs, saying the U.N. stands ready to assist the people of the Middle East and North Africa who are demanding new rights and freedoms.

Austria Tuesday joined a growing list of countries announcing plans to freeze the assets of the Libyan leader and his close associates, in line with EU sanctions. Libya is estimated to have at least $1.6 billion in deposits in Austrian banks.

Also Tuesday, Germany said it would freeze a bank account worth about $2.8 million that is held by one of Mr. Gaddafi's sons.

A top U.S. diplomat said Tuesday the United States will maintain economic and political pressure on Mr. Gaddafi. In a series of interviews, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Susan Rice said the goal is to weaken his hold on power.

U.S. officials say "all options" are under consideration, including the imposition of a no-fly zone to prevent Mr. Gaddafi's air force from attacking rebels who control eastern Libya and parts of the west. British Prime Minister David Cameron said London also is working on a plan for a no-fly zone over Libya.

Despite his increasing international isolation, the Libyan leader won some diplomatic support Monday from a longtime ally in Latin America. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said he will not condemn Mr. Gaddafi, and he accused the U.S. of preparing to invade Libya to steal its oil.

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