Libya military orders immediate ceasefire
2011-03-20 21:38
Tripoli - A Libyan military spokesperson announced on Sunday a new ceasefire in the campaign against an uprising, as a second night of international air strikes on the country appeared imminent.
The spokesperson said the ceasefire, effective from 19:00 GMT, had been decided following an African Union call for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
Muammar Gaddafi's regime had declared a ceasefire on Friday after a UN Security Council resolution authorised any necessary measures, including a no-fly zone, to stop his forces harming civilians in the fight against the rebels.
But his troops continued an assault on the rebel stronghold of Benghazi, prompting US, British and French forces to intervene with air strikes in line with the resolution.
- SAPA