HANDS UP

Libya Calls for Cease Fire

As France, U.K., and Spain prep “swift” strike.

Within hours of the U.N.’s resolution approving military force in Libya, the country’s government called for a cease-fire on Friday. Libya’s foreign minister said that, as a member of the council, Gaddafi’s regime is “obliged to accept the Security Council resolution that permits the use of force to protect the civilian population.” He said the regime would halt all military operations against the opposition. Now with U.N. approval, a French government spokesman said France is preparing to participate in a “swift” operation in Libya, while British Prime Minister David Cameron said the U.K. is preparing to deploy aircraft. Spain will offer NATO the use of two of its military bases and provide air and naval forces for an operation against Gaddafi. Meanwhile, Gaddafi’s son, Saif al-Islam, announced that Libya would release four New York Times reporters who have been missing for several days.