Libya - 'All necessary Measures'

These are the essential words of UN Resolution 1973.

Yesterday the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) speaking on whether the targeting of Col. Gaddafi was something to be considered, said:

"No, absolutely not. It's is not allowed under the UN resolution and it's not something I want to discuss any further."

That's pretty unequivocal and also, apparently, pretty unpopular with some of those in government here. BUT, it is what makes the British armed forces the force that it is. Whilst some forces have 'all the gear but no idea' the British forces find themselves sometimes poorly equipped but always head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to rules of engagement (RoE) and values and standards. What we have here is yet another example of that.

What is most important now is that as the coalition stop Gaddafi's forces from advancing, which is protecting civilian life, they must also ensure that this does not permit opposition forces to form-up and engage. Although this would be regarded as two combatant forces, thus rendering it outside resolution 1973, it would also mean that by the actions of the intervention a regime change by force had been supported.

A niggling point perhaps, but we have to stand in the middle and keep to the protection of non-combatants, for they are afforded full status under the Geneva Conventions, not facilitate a militia.

Pax