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Amid no-fly zone talk, Libya says it's over

Libyans sit next to anti-aircraft guns in Benghazi, Libya on March 2, 2011. Gadhafi warned the West against intervening in the rebellion against his rule. UPI/Mohamaad Hosam
Libyans sit next to anti-aircraft guns in Benghazi, Libya on March 2, 2011. Gadhafi warned the West against intervening in the rebellion against his rule. UPI/Mohamaad Hosam | License Photo

LONDON, March 16 (UPI) -- The British government submitted a draft resolution to the U.N. Security Council calling for a no-fly zone over Libya, the British prime minister said.

The U.N. Security Council in February sanctioned Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi for allegedly ordering military forces to fire on unarmed civilian demonstrators. The case was subsequently referred to the International Criminal Court.

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A spokesman for the British prime minister said imposing a no-fly zone would require an international consensus. The Arab League during the weekend backed the military intervention in Libya, though France during meetings for the Group of Eight was unable to garner broad support for the measure.

British Prime Minister David Cameron said it was time to "get rid of this regime" and called on the United Nations to "show some leadership" in pressuring Gadhafi, London's Independent newspaper reports.

Cameron told lawmakers Wednesday that London submitted a draft resolution to the United Nations after meeting with leaders from Lebanon, France and the United States.

"This includes a no-fly zone banning all flights except humanitarian flights and it also includes an extension of the travel ban and the asset freeze and tougher enforcement of the arms embargo -- particularly on the Libyan government," he was quoted as saying.

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A senior U.S. official told The New York Times there is increasing consensus in the White House that it is too late to set up a no-fly zone but other options to help the rebels are being considered.

Forces loyal to Gadhafi attacked the rebel-held city of Misurata as the regime works to quell the opposition uprising.

Saif Gadhafi, the leader's son, told French TV channel Euronews that fight was coming to an end.

"The military operations are finished," he said. "In 48 hours everything will be over."

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