On 17 March 2011, United Nations Security Council effectively authorized the use of force in Libya to protect civilians from attack, specifically in the eastern city of Benghazi. This decision has been particularly welcomed by all international community. The European Union, in a joint statement by President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy and EU High Representative Catherine Ashton, has expresses fully endorsement of UN demands for a complete end to the violence.

Acting under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which provides for the use of force if needed, the United Nations Security Council adopted resolution 1973 by 10 votes to zero, with five abstentions, authorizing Member States to take all necessary measures to protect civilians and civilian populated areas under threat of attack in the Libyan Arab Jamhariya, including Benghazi, while excluding an occupation force. Expressing grave concern at the deteriorating situation, the escalation of violence, and the heavy civilian casualties, the Council established a no-fly zone, banning all flights, except those for humanitarian purposes, in Libyan airspace in order to help protect civilians. It specifically calls on Arab League states to cooperate with other Member States in taking the necessary measures.

In their common statement, President Van Rompuy and High Representative Ashton stressed EU's grave concern for the situation of the population and reiterated the 11 March Declaration of the European Council on Libya that the safety of the people must be ensured by all necessary means. The European Council has called on Colonel Kadhafi to relinquish power immediately and urged Libya to rapidly embark on an orderly transition to democracy through broad-based dialogue.

UN Security Council Resolution 1973, a legal basis for action in Libya

Resolution 1973 provides a clear legal basis for the members of the international community to provide protection to the civilian population. Now, the European Union is ready to implement this Resolution within is mandate and competences, and the European Council to be held between 24 and 25 March as well as the Foreign Affairs Council of 21 March will discuss the situation in Libya and adopt the necessary decisions in that regard.

The European Union underlined the important role of the Arab League and all Arab partners, whose cooperation is essential and their role is clearly recognised by the Resolution. It is essential to ensure close coordination, together with the United Nations, the Arab League, the African Union and other international partners on who the EU can best contribute as soon as possible to the implementation of the decisions of the Security Council.