Libya suspended from UN council

LIBYA was suspended from the UN Human Rights Council last night in the latest international effort to isolate Muammar Gaddafi’s government for its violent attacks on protesters.

The UN General Assembly voted by consensus on the council’s recommendation to suspend Libya’s rights of council membership for committing “gross and systematic violations of human rights”. The assembly also expressed “deep concern” about the human rights situation in Libya.

The vote does not permanently remove Libya from the council, but prevents it from participation until the General Assembly determines whether to restore the country to full status. The resolution was sponsored by Arab and African states.