UN Security Council condemns Libya crackdown

The UN Security Council has condemned Libya's deadly crackdown on protesters and demanded an immediate end to the violent repression of peaceful demonstrations against Moamer Kadhafi’s regime and expressed "deep regret at the deaths of hundreds of civilians".

Reuters

A statement from the 15-member council called for those responsible for the violence against protesters to be held to account and said Libya’s regime had to “"address the legitimate demands of the population".

Libyan authorities say at least 300 died in the past week, but rights groups say the toll could be as high as 400.

The UN council did not name Kadhafi specifically but made it clear he was its target.

In a speech earlier, Kadhafi said he will resist international pressure to resign, and will crush protests against his regime.

Speaking for almost two hours on state television on Tuesday, Kadhafi appeared defiant in what was his first major public address since unrest began in Libya.

He said he would not leave and would die as a martyr.

But despite his defiance, Kadhafi's grip on Libya appeared to be slipping as his Interior Minister Abdel Fatah Yunes resigned and called on the army to back the rebellion against the leader.

Numerous high level Libyan officials, including ministers, diplomats and military officers, have abandoned the regime and announced their support for the rebellion.

Libyan diplomats who have broken with Kadhafi called on the council to hold the meeting and requested a UN no-fly zone over the country as well as humanitarian action. But diplomats said these plans were not discussed.

The UN Human Rights Commission is to meet on Friday to discuss Libya.