Libya's Deputy Ambassador to UN Calls on International Community to Protect Libyan People

Mr. Ibrahim Dabbashi, Libya's Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations, held a press conference last night in which he called on the international community to protect the people of Libya in accordance with international law.  Mr. Dabbashi charged Mr. Qaddifi with declaring war on the people of Egypt, the commission of genocide, crimes against humanity and crimes of war.  Mr. Ibrahim called on the Inernational Criminal Court to investigate these crimes.  Mr. Ibrahim called on the United Nations to impose a no flight zone over Tripoli and to intervene to protect the people of LIbya by invoking the principle of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P).  He also asked that the UN Human Rights Council convene in emergency session to study the situation in Libya and to make recommendations to protect the people. Mr. Ibrahim asked for safe passage for humanitarian aid entering Libya from Egypt and Tunisia.  He also called on other countries to prevent Mr. Qaddafi's escape and his ability to transfer funds out of Libya.  The New York Times has posted a video of the news conference. 

(cgb)