Libya: Gaddafi Declares Cease-fire

By staff writer

TRIPOLI – Moammar Gadhafi's government declared a cease-fire on Friday in a bid to circumvent Western military intervention against the rebel uprising faltering on his artillery,tanks and warplanes.

British Prime Minister David Cameron as well as the Libyan opposition have since responded to the sentiments of the embattled Libyan leader. Cameron says he would judge Gaddafi by his actions not his words while the opposition says the shells rained down well after the announcement and accused the Libyan leader of lying.

Speaking to BBC, Libyan Foreign minister Mussa Kussa, said the country would abide by the UN resolution, stop "all military operations" in order to "protect civilians" and was prepared to allow UN observers into the country to verify its compliance.

Britain and France have taken caution of the cease-fire and took the lead in plans to enforce a no-fly zone, sending British warplanes to the Mediterranean and announcing a crisis summit in Paris with the U.N. and Arab allies.

Mr Cameron said UK warplanes were being deployed to help protect the Libyan people from "brutal" attacks by the Gaddafi regime.

In Washington, President Barack Obama ruled out the use of American ground troops but warned that the U.S., which has an array of naval and air forces in the region, would join in military action.

Obama said that there should be no doubt about the Libyan leader's intentions "because he has made them clear," He added, "Just yesterday, speaking of the city of Benghazi, a city of roughly 700,000, he threatened 'we will have no mercy and no pity.' No mercy on his own citizens."

A joint United States, Britain and France statement to Gadhafi late Friday backed by unspecified Arab countries — said a cease-fire must begin "immediately" in Libya, the French presidential palace said.