Libya says any attack would threaten Mediterranean

Defense Ministry says foreign military act will expose all air, maritime traffic in Mediterranean Sea to danger; Gaddafi vows to retake Benghazi; offers amnesty to those who surrender, 'no mercy' for those who don't

News agencies|Published: 03.17.11 , 21:18

Any foreign attack on Libya will endanger air and maritime traffic in the Mediterranean basin and expose the area to both short and long term risks, the Defense Ministry said in a statement broadcast on Libyan television.

The statement said Libya would strike back at civilian and foreign targets if the country comes under attack from foreign forces.

"Any foreign military act against Libya will expose all air and maritime traffic in the Mediterranean Sea to danger and civilian and military (facilities) will become targets of Libya's counter-attack," said the statement.

"The Mediterranean basin will face danger not just in the short-term, but also in the long-term," it said.

Also Thursday, leader Moammar Gaddafi has vowed to retake the rebel capital of Benghazi and the rest of the opposition-held east of Libya, offering amnesty to those who surrender but "no mercy" for those who don't.

In an address Thursday evening on state TV, Gaddafi said his forces will begin the assault on Benghazi, proclaiming "the matter has been decided ... we are coming."

He says there would be amnesty for those "who throw their weapons away," but for those who resist "there will be no mercy or compassion."

Gaddafi says his forces would "rescue" the people of Benghazi from "traitors" and warned them not to stand alongside the opposition. "The people will see tomorrow if the city if one of traitors or heroes ... Don't betray me, my beloved Benghazi."

The UN Security Council scheduled a vote Thursday on a resolution that would impose a no-fly zone over Libya and authorize "all necessary measures" to protect civilians from attacks by Gaddafi's forces.

France's UN Ambassador Gerard Araud said he expected more than one of the council's 15 members to abstain when the vote took place at 6 pm EDT (2300 GMT), but council diplomats said they did not expect the resolution to be vetoed.

The resolution needs nine "yes" votes and no veto by a permanent member to be adopted.

Russia and China, which have veto power, have expressed doubts about the United Nations and other outside powers using force against Gaddafi, and diplomats said other council nations reacted cautiously, including Germany, India, Brazil and South Africa.

Even if all six countries abstained, the resolution would still have the minimum nine "yes" votes.