Capitol Hill Reacts To UN Resolution

Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.), John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) released a joint statement late Thursday night commending the United Nations Security Council for passing a resolution authorizing a no-fly zone against Libya in order to protect rebels and others from attacks by Libyan despot Muammar Gaddafi.

“We applaud tonight’s action by the UN Security Council authorizing ‘all necessary measures’ to impose a no-fly zone in Libya and protect civilians and civilian-populated areas under threat of attack. The Administration deserves credit for getting this Resolution passed with such strong support. This was an important step on behalf of the people of Libya, but it will only be as effective as its implementation.  With Qaddafi’s forces moving towards Benghazi, we must immediately work with our friends in the Arab League and in NATO to enforce this resolution and turn the tide before it is too late. We must also build a bipartisan consensus here at home to support the President in taking the swift and decisive measures necessary to stop Qaddafi.”

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) also said she was pleased with the resolution:

“The United Nations Security Council, along with the Arab League, has sent a clear signal to the Qaddafi regime: the violence against your own citizens must end and the Libyan people must be free to choose their own destiny, free from intimidation. Hopefully, Qaddafi understands the seriousness of the United Nations Security Council Resolution and the resolve that goes with it.  We will continue to monitor the situation in Libya closely.”