The Arab states were identified as Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab
Emirates. The diplomats said Egypt and Tunisia would serve as bases for
possible ground operations and resupply for the rebels who have been
fighting the regime of Libyan Col. Moammar Gadhafi. Kuwait has already
announced its support for the no-fly zone.
"The leaders agreed that Libya must immediately comply with all terms of
the resolution and that violence against the civilian population of Libya
must cease," the United States said on March 18.
A day later, France and other NATO members launched attacks on the
Gadhafi regime. The French Air Force, joined by the British and U.S. navies
were said to have fired more than 110 cruise missiles toward airports, air
defense assets and other regime targets around Benghazi and Tripoli.
"At unity with our partners our air forces will counteract any attacks
from Col. Gadhafi planes on the residents of Benghazi," French President
Nicolas Sarkozy said. "Other French aircraft are ready to counter armored
vehicles that may threaten civilians."
The Gadhafi regime announced it was shutting its air space
while the Libyan Foreign Ministry announced a ceasefire even as the military
continued to shell rebel-held cities.
"Any military operation against Libya will expose all air and maritime
traffic in the Mediterranean to danger," the Libyan Defense Ministry said.
Germany and Poland marked two NATO states that have opposed the
plan.
"German soldiers will not take part in a military intervention in
Libya," German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said.