Libya crisis as it happened: Friday 18 March

• Libya says it has declared a ceasefire and a halt to all military operations, in accordance with the UN resolution calling for the protection of civilians. The UK, US and France say they will judge Gaddafi on his actions, not his words
• Unconfirmed reports continue of clashes between Gaddafi forces and anti-government rebels, but the regime insists the ceasefire is "real and valid"
• The UN Security Council approved a no-fly zone over Libya on Thursday. The resolution allows for all necessary measures, short of a foreign occupation force, to defend civilians who are under threat of attack
• UK Prime Minister David Cameron has said British Tornado and Typhoon jets are being moved into place to take part in any operation over Libya

• Live page reporters: Victoria King, Caroline McClatchey, Julian Joyce and Rob Jones

• All times in GMT

2230 We're going to wrap up our live coverage of the Libyan crisis for now. Thank you very much for your contributions. The BBC News website will continue to monitor developments, and you can also find out what's going on by watching the BBC News channel, or by listening to BBC Radio.

2227 LibyanTNC tweets: "Ras Lanouf under heavy air strike right now #libya."

2223 LibyanTNC tweets: "Big protest at Downing Street tomorrow from 1-5pm. Bring your banners. posters, whistles! #libya #feb17 #london."

2218 A spokesman for the opposition in Misrata tells BBC's Radio 4's The World Tonight that government troops with heavy artillery "shot their way into the city" this morning, shelling indisciminantly and causing widespread damage. This continued until several hours after the ceasefire was declared, he says. The troops have since been driven back to the outskirts, but are still firing there now, the spokesman adds.

2212 LibyanDictator tweets: "Hamed Hassi assures Alarabiya: #Ajdabya fighters have surrounded Gaddafi forces, they haven't moved past Ajdabya to Benghazi."

2206 Reuters also says doctors in the city of Misrata are reporting that at least 38 people have been killed today in attacks by Gaddafi forces.

2157 Reuters quotes an unnamed US national security official who says Gaddafi's forces are continuing to make "purposeful" movements toward Benghazi.

2154 US ambassador to the UN Susan Rice tells CNN that by continuing to threaten Benghazi, Gaddafi is violating the UN Security Council resolution. He will face "swift and sure consequences including military action" if he continues to do so, she says.

2149 Germany's reluctance to join the UN coalition could damage the country's international standing, says newspaper Der Spiegel. "Although Berlin has not blocked military action by abstaining, the German government has marginalized itself. As a concession, Berlin will now beef up its mission in Afghanistan. But is it enough?" it asks.

2139 What happens if Gaddafi does pull back? How long will it take for the opposition to regroup and rearm sufficiently to launch a counter-offensive, wonders former US ambassador to Morocco Mark Ginsberg. "The last thing we need to be doing is providing air cover for an extended, bloody military stalemate that drags on and on," he writes.

2130 Libyan activist Hisham Ben Ghalbon tells the BBC the press conference was littered with lies. Despite all the evidence on the ground, he says, the message from the regime is: "Don't believe your eyes, don't believe your ears, just believe what we tell you."

2122 To sum up at the end of that long press conference, Libya's deputy foreign minister Khaled Kaim says there has been no bombardent of any kind since the ceasefire was declared - that is at odds with unconfirmed reports of attacks and deaths in a number of towns.

2113 The Daily Telegraph's Rob Crilly, who is in Benghazi, reports on what he has seen in the last few hours: "Driving back to hotel tonight and we passed several cars unloading militiamen on to street corners. Some carried rocket propelled grenades and others had AK-47s. A few were wearing balaclavas. These are militias that have been set up to defend neighbourhoods. City feels very nervous tonight."

2107 The rebel military command has used a radio address to urge its fighters to mobilise swiftly to defend western access routes to Benghazi.

2059 No civilians have been killed in the government's military operations, the spokesman insists. All of those who have died were members of the armed forces or security forces, or were members of armed militias, he says. He also accuses the rebels of committing crimes against humanity.

2053 Our forces are currently stationed outside Benghazi and we have no intention of entering the city, the spokesman continues.

2049 A Libyan government spokesman tells a press conference the ceasefire is "credible, real and valid". He says the government is calling for observers from Malta, China, Turkey and Germany to come to Libya as soon as possible.

2046 Hisham Ben Ghalbon, a Libyan activist exiled in the UK, says telephone and internet connections are down in Benghazi, so it's very hard to find out what's really going on. He adds that he believes force is the only language Col Gaddafi understands and verbal threats alone from the international community will fall on deaf ears.

2040 @hurrya1 tweets: "#Qaddafi forces r bombarding Qaminis & getting closer 2 #Benghazi . The Cease fire announcement a delaying tactic #Libya Where is the UN?"

2036 @Libyan4life tweets: "I think tonight will be very telling and we may see intervention by the international community as forces advance towards #Benghazi."

2030 Muhammed al-Muntasir - a member of the Transitional National Council in Misrata - tells the BBC World Service that, after heavy fighting during Friday morning, the city is under opposition control and Gaddafi's forces suffered "heavy losses". He describes Gaddafi as "the biggest liar in the world".

2025 A loud explosion followed by anti-aircraft fire has been heard in the rebel-held city of Benghazi, AFP correspondents say.

2018 CNN's Global Public Square blog has asked various Libya experts for their views on Gaddafi's tactics. All seem to agree that the ceasefire is just a ruse. Mansour El-Kikhia, a political science professor at the University of Texas, says: "Libya's rulers are like hyenas. They are survivalists. They create chaos, and in chaos they look for opportunity."

2011 We now have the full text of that joint statement from the US, UK, France and Arab states. It begins by saying a ceasefire must be implemented immediately, and continues: "Gaddafi must stop his troops from advancing on Benghazi, pull back his troops from Ajdabiyah, Misrata, and Zawiyah, and re-establish water, electricity and gas supplies to all areas. Humanitarian assistance must be allowed to reach the people of Libya. These terms are not negotiable. If Gaddafi does not comply with the resolution, the international community will impose consequences, and this resolution will be enforced through military action."

2007 ShababLibya tweets: "Benghazi must not be underestimated, as revolution central 1000s are armed and ready to fight #Libya #Feb17 they have prepared for this"

2000 Julian Borger, writing in his Guardian blog, says the time pressure on the UN coalition is intense. "If Benghazi falls before the air operation gets off the ground, it would be the worst of all worlds," he writes. "Gaddafi will have defied the UN, and any subsequent air strikes against his forces could simply worsen the reprisals against the rebels and the people of Benghazi."

1954 A bit more on those Al-Jazeera reports. The station says its correspondent in Benghazi has learned that loyalist forces are clashing with rebels in the towns of Al-Magroun and Slouq, about 30 miles (50km) from the city.

1950 Tripolitanian tweets: "Libyan #Gaddafi elite troops now entering #Misrata with tanks and armored vehicles #Libya #Feb17 (waiting for more confirmation)"

1943 Al Jazeera TV reports that pro-Gaddafi forces are advancing quickly towards Benghazi.

1937 Just in: In a joint statement, the UK, France and the US demand Col Gaddafi's troops halt their advance on Benghazi and withdraw from several cities. Further to that, the French also demand gas, electricity, and water is reconnected in towns where it has been cut off.

1930 FreeBenghazi tweets: "Gaddafi offensive against opposition continues despite today's ceasefire declaration."

1926 The decision to impose a no-fly zone over Libya should have been taken weeks ago, Israel's defence minister Ehud Barak tells BBC Hardtalk's Stephen Sackur in an interview to be broadcast on Monday.

1916 The BBC's Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen says the response to the Libyan crisis illustrates the contradictions in Western policy in the region. He says the UK, France and the US will have to explain how Libya differs from other countries where forces loyal to authoritarian Arab rulers have killed civilian protesters.

1910 Muhammad in Tripoli, Libya writes: "The situation has become very critical. We demand the Western world ends the dictatorship of Gaddafi and brings peace and prosperity to our country."
Have Your Say

1906 "The world's had enough of Muammar Gaddafi," writes Channel 4's Jonathan Miller, who is in Tripoli. "Even those he thought were his friends in the Arab world and in Africa have deserted him, weary of his dangerous eccentricity."

1902 Just before Mr Obama started speaking, Reuters, quoting an unnamed diplomatic source, said French and British jets could fly over Libya before Saturday's summit in Paris "in a symbolic move".

1858 Back to President Obama's speech: The leader clearly states that no US troops would be deployed on the ground in Libya.

1852 Former British Ambassador to Libya, Oliver Miles, says the ceasefire was a good example of Col Gaddafi "at his best as a poker-player". "I don't think anyone was expecting it and it put the international force on the wrong foot," he says. "The trouble is it is a weak card because we will very soon know whether it is just a statement or whether there really is a ceasefire."

1837 Just before the US president started speaking, Reuters, quoting an unnamed diplomatic source, said French and British jets could fly over Libya before Saturday's summit in Paris "in a symbolic move".

1833 The president ends his speech by saying: "Our goal is focused, our cause is just and our coalition is strong."

1829 Col Gaddafi now has a choice, says the president. A ceasefire must be implemented immediately, he must pull back from rebel-held towns and must re-establish water and power supplies. "These terms are not negotiable," Mr Obama says firmly. "If he does not comply, the international community will impose consequences."

1825 Col Gaddafi had "ample warning" of what would happen if he continued his attacks on his own people, President Obama says. Left unchecked, many thousands could die, he adds.

1823 President Barack Obama is speaking now. He says Libyans seeking a different future have been met by "an iron fist".

1815 "The world's had enough of Muammar Gaddafi," writes Channel 4's Jonathan Miller, who is in Tripoli. "Even those he thought were his friends in the Arab world and in Africa have deserted him, weary of his dangerous eccentricity."

1810 The twists and turns in the Libyan crisis have once again had a knock-on effect on the price of oil. Brent crude earlier rose above $117 a barrel after the UN resolution, but suddenly dropped more than $3 to around $113 a barrel after Libya declared an immediate ceasefire. Despite the latest falls, that's still more than 20% higher than in January before the start of the unrest that's rocked North Africa and the Middle East, the world's most important oil producing area.

1806 We're expecting to hear from US President Barack Obama shortly - stay tuned.

1800 The BBC's security correspondent, Frank Gardner, tweets: "Arab League spokesman confirms to BBC that several Arab airforces WILL take part in No Fly Zone over #Libya, he won't say which ones."

1755 The opposition Transitional National Council is in talks with Western powers to provide targets for air strikes on Gaddafi forces, according to AFP, quoted by the Daily Telegraph.

1750 Ray Takeyh, writing on Council on Foreign Relations blog, says: "It is important to note that the UN Security Council resolution passed at the behest of Washington is not just about a no-fly zone. In the aftermath of the resolution, the United States is morally and practically obligated to the survival and viability of the anti-Qaddafi insurgency."

1744 Malta, which lies in the Mediterranean not far from Libya's coast, says it will not allow UN forces to use its bases to enforce a no-fly zone. The country is politically neutral by constitution, reports AFP.

1739 In her analysis of the military planning which is going on, the BBC's defence correspondent Caroline Wyatt says it's not yet clear who the commander of the operation will be, where it will be headquartered and what Nato assets might be used. She says the fact David Cameron is going to Paris on Saturday suggests France might be taking the military as well as the diplomatic lead.

1735 Libyan tweets: "#Gaddafi is obviously stalling for time with his "cease-fire," it has changed nothing on the ground - situation remains hostile. Grad missiles are being used on the city of #Zintan"

1730 The BBC's Mike Cartwright, at RAF Marham in Norfolk, says he's getting unconfirmed reports that two Tornado squadrons will be heading out to enforce the no-fly zone. Squadron 9 specialises in taking out surface-to-air missiles, while Squadron 31 specialises in launching the Storm Shadow cruise missile, which is used to target artillery and tanks, he says.

1725 A bit more from Gavin Hewitt, writing in his BBC blog: "If sometime in the future the Libyan opposition win and come to power in Tripoli, they might consider a statue to the French president. There could be a Sarkozy Square or even a boulevard named after him. There is no doubt that the French leader, with his renowned energy, was the key player in driving through a UN resolution."

1721 The BBC's Europe editor Gavin Hewitt says the main question at the summit in Paris on Saturday will be "What does the ceasefire mean?" He says it has changed the equation and the French will probably wait until after the meeting before launching military strikes.

1717 Sherine Tadros from Al Jazeera English tweets: "Gunfire and heavy artillery clashes between rebels and #Gaddafi forces at Southern entrance of Ajdabiya."

1712 To recap on the events of the last few hours. Following last night's UN resolution in favour of military intervention, Col Gaddafi's regime announced an immediate ceasefire at about 1240 GMT. Since then we've had reports of continued shelling in some cities, including Misrata, but elsewhere, suggestions that the security situation may be improving. The UK, France and US have said they want to see real evidence of a ceasefire on the ground - words are not enough, they insist.

1709 The International Red Cross tells AFP that improvements in the security situation on Friday have allowed its team to return to Libyan rebel stronghold Benghazi.

1706 Shashank Joshi, an expert in international relations at the Royal United Services Institute, tells BBC Radio 5 live it was a "canny move" by Col Gaddafi to call a truce, but the scope of the UN resolution shouldn't be underestimated. "It has a mandate to protect civilians and civilian populated areas, which are, almost everywhere, under threat of attack. So, it's not just whether Gaddafi is attacking, it's whether his forces are configured in a way that unacceptably threatens civilian populations."

1700 France's foreign ministry spokesman Bernard Valero tells AFP his country does not want Nato involved in UN-sanctioned military action in Libya. "We do not think it would be the right signal to send that Nato, as such, intervenes in an Arab nation," he says.

1655 Reporting from the UN in New York, the BBC's Barbara Plett tweets: "UN envoy Dabashi dismisses Gaddafi ceasefire as "not serious," says G shd w/draw troops, allow free expression.#Libya's rebel #UN envoy also says no room for dialogue with Gaddafi, except to arrange his exit from the country. #UN Sec Gen say #Gaddafi needs to implement full UN resolution, not just the ceasefire."

1649 The African Union is sending a delegation of five heads of state, including Uganda's president Yoweri Museveni, to Tripoli to talk to Col Gaddafi. The mission was agreed before the UN resolution. Uganda's minister of foreign affairs has told BBC Focus On Africa: "We know that a no-fly zone has bigger implications - it will affect commercial transactions, commercial flights - that will be expensive for Africa, but it is important to protect peoples' lives."

1644 To suggest that Arab countries "can't do democracy", is condescending, "smacks of racism" and is clearly at odds with the efforts seen in places like Tunisia and Egypt to bring about change, Mr Cameron says. The values we hold dear in Britain are universal and we should support efforts to achieve them elsewhere, the PM adds.

1639 David Cameron, speaking to the Scottish Conservative Party conference in Perth, says this is not "some ideologically-driven mission, without limit". But he goes on: "Just because we can't solve all the world's problems doesn't mean we shouldn't do what we can, where we can, and when it is in our national interest to do so."

1633 Al-Jazeera broadcasts a call from a Mohamed Ali, who says he is at the medical centre in Misrata. He claims there has been "indiscriminate shelling" of the city today. He then hands the phone over to a doctor who says 80 people are being treated in the hospital.

1627 More from that Libyan spokesman. He says his government has asked the Turkish and Maltese authorities to help implement - and supervise - the ceasefire.

1620 A Libyan government spokesman says the ceasefire has already been implemented. He insists that no government military attacks have been launched in Misrata or anywhere else on Friday - this conflicts with a number of reports that the BBC has received.

1616 Ghaith Amanazi, former Arab League ambassador, tells the BBC the Libyan leadership is speaking with two voices. Only yesterday, he says, we had "blood-curdling language" from Col Gaddafi and his son, threatening reprisals against the rebels, and then today, we see the foreign minister trying to appease the international community.

1609 UN spokeswoman Elisabeth Byrs tells AFP that parts of the Libyan government have "stated willingness to provide access for humanitarian agencies", but no agreement has been reached on how an assessment of needs will be carried out.

1602 Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond says he "strongly supports" the UN resolution. He tells the BBC it sends a strong message to the Libyan regime and "will concentrate minds". Asked if he supports the idea of "regime change", he says he believes "the end game" is "a new government of Libya".

1558 CNBC Breaking News tweets: "President Obama to make statement on Libya at 2 P.M. EDT after meeting with Congressional leadership." That's 1800 GMT, by the way.

1552 One by one countries are making their positions on the crisis clearer. Spain's Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero says he has asked his parliament to authorise Spanish armed forces to help enforce a no-fly zone over Libya. He called the UN resolution a "truly historic step"."

1545 Brian Conley tweets: "Report just now - #Ajdabiya only #singlesource seems reliable - shelling continued until just 30 minutes ago possible ceasefire now. Reports of civilians killed and bodies robbed.

1542 Prof Anne-Marie Slaughter, until recently director of policy planning in the US State Department, tells the BBC World Service: "Not acting IS acting if you're the United States. Morally and strategically, that would have been a disaster. In terms of our larger strategic goals - a new beginning with the Muslim world and supporting democratic forces in the region - it would have simply been criminal to sit back."

1536 German Chancellor Angela Merkel says her country will not take part in military intervention, but adds: "We unreservedly share the aims of this resolution. Our abstention should not be confused with neutrality."

1530 Al-Jazeera reports that several loud explosions have been heard outside the Libyan capital, Tripoli.

1525 Tunisia will not take part in any international military intervention in Libya, government spokesman Taieb Bakouch says. "It is out of the question," he adds.

1520 The head of Nato says the alliance is completing plans to take "appropriate action" in support of the UN resolution on Libya. Reuters says diplomats also believe Turkey and Germany appear to have softened their opposition to military intervention.

1514 Speaking after Italy's foreign minister offered up its bases to those running the no-fly zone, defence minister Ignazio La Russa says his country will only take part in a military coalition against Libya if its parliament votes in favour.

1510 Salah, from Libya, writes: "People are suffering in Tripoli. There have been shortages of food for the last two weeks. And prices have more than doubled. There are also shortages of the national currency - so they have started using older notes from around 2009 or 2010. I saw a large trailer carrying even more tanks around Tripoli. There is already a huge number of tanks surrounding the edge of the city, and yet more guarding some locations. I have also seen several missile launchers. There are cars full of militia driving around the city, armed with Ak47s. On the first Friday I saw people being gunned down by Gaddafi's forces. Gaddafi's militia came toward them and fired warning shots in the air but five minutes later they were firing at them."
Have Your Say

1506 Libya's state TV channels have so far made no mention of the ceasefire announced by the foreign minister earlier today, BBC Monitoring reports. Libyan TV bulletins continue to focus on messages and demonstrations in support of Col Gaddafi.

1500 A bit more from Hilary Clinton. The US secretary of state says it's not at all clear whether the announcement of a ceasefire is being matched by a cessation of violence on the ground. She adds that the US wants to see Gaddafi's forces physically move away from Libya's eastern, rebel-dominated, regions.

1455 Italy - Libya's former colonial ruler and key trading partner - will make its military bases available to those operating the no-fly zone and will take an active role in any operations against Gaddafi, Foreign Minister Franco Frattini says. Italy is also closing its embassy in Tripoli, he adds.

1450 Simon Brooks, of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Benghazi, tells Sky News the city is calm at the moment, but local hospitals are readying themselves for a large number of casualties should heavy fighting break out.

1446 US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton says: "This resolution is an important step, but the US and its partners will continue to explore other ways of ending the Libyan crisis."

1441 US defence secretary Robert Gates is to travel to Russia on Saturday, Reuters reports. It is not yet clear why. Russia abstained in the UN vote over the no-fly zone.

1437 Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he will send CF-18 fighter jets to help enforce the no-fly zone if it is imposed.

1434 iyad tweets: "It's flaring up in Ajdabia now. #Libya."

1431 Asked about her hopes for the future of Libya, the EU's foreign affairs representative Baroness Ashton says she hopes that Col Gaddafi will go soon and there will be discussions about democratic government in Libya. "That's where we come in," she says, adding that the EU is prepared to give long-term help to build democracy.

1427 Iyad El-Baghdadi tweets: "To those asking about Gaddafi's "cease fire", it's a pathetic ploy. Attacks on Misrata continue and shooting protesters continues."

1423 Al-Jazeera TV is reporting heavy fire and artillery exchange between rebels and pro-Gaddafi forces at the southern entrance to the city of Ajdabiyah, some 160km south of Benghazi.

1419 The Libyan regime will be "brought to justice" over attacks on unarmed civilians, UN chief Ban Ki-moon says.

1415 The BBC's Naomi Grimley, outside the Ministry of Defence, says we still don't know which country will be in charge of enforcing the proposed no-fly zone. She says MPs are hoping that details will emerge within the next few hours.

1412 The BBC's diplomatic correspondent James Robbins says the ceasefire is a classic tactic from Col Gaddafi and it will not stop military preparations. He says David Cameron will still go to Paris on Saturday for top-level talks.

1406 The BBC World Service asks Conservative MP and former diplomat Rory Stewart: "How do you define a civilian in this conflict? What about a 20-year-old with a Kalashnikov protecting his neighbourhood in Benghazi? Is he a civilian or a fighter?" His answer: "Yes, all these questions are unbelieveably difficult and they are exactly what Gaddafi is going to try to exploit in the coming days."

1359 UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon declines to answer when he's asked by a reporter about the ceasefire announcement. Instead, he repeats his demand that Libyan authorities must comply with all elements of the United Nations resolution.

1353 Nato allies have agreed to speed up planning for possible military action in Libya, but the alliance has yet to decide whether to intervene in the conflict, a spokesman for the organisation says.

1348 PJ Crowley, former US State Department spokesman, tweets: "Qaddafi: 'It's over. The issue has been decided.' True, since the international community is now committed to action that will defeat him."

1344 Arabic news channel Al Arabiya, quoting medical sources, says 25 people have been killed in the bombardment of Misrata.

1338 More on those reports of ground-shelling in Misrata. While the Libyan foreign minister was speaking of a ceasefire, an eyewitness in Misrata, who has asked to remain unnamed, told the BBC there was heavy fighting between rebels and the brigade forces, and that several civilian buildings had been hit. "We are terrified," she said. "He (Gaddafi) is going to kill us all."

1333 The ceasefire announcement shows that international pressure is having an effect on the regime, Richard Ottaway, chairman of the foreign affairs select committee, tells the BBC's World at One. But, he says, the big question is, where do we go now? How do we bring about the change in governance in Libya that we have said is needed?

1328 Reuters reports that Libyan rebels in the city of Misrata, 200km east of Tripoli, say they have repelled a government attack.

1324 David Cameron tells the BBC Col Gaddafi will be judged by his deeds not his words after the announcement from the regime of an immediate ceasefire.

1320 In an interview with the BBC's political editor Nick Robinson, David Cameron is asked about comparisons between this situation and the invasion of Iraq - of course, not done under a UN mandate. "It is very clearly not a repetition of anything from the past," he replies firmly.

1316 Labour's Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell are preparing to amend the government's motion on Libya to be debated on Monday, reports the BBC's political correspondent Gary O'Donoghue. The text of the motion and the amendment haven't yet appeared, but it will address issues such as arms sales, human rights protection of civilians, and a regional peace strategy.

1313 A correspondent on Al Jazeera television who is in Tripoli speculates that this could simply be an effort by Gaddafi's regime to buy time - to remove the justification for a no-fly zone by claiming to be laying down arms. She says she believes the sudden international consensus on military action has taken the regime by surprise.

1309 The New York Times says four of its journalists who were missing in Libya have been found. The paper reported on its website that they were captured by Colonel Gaddafi's forces and are set to be released Friday.

1302 Over at the Foreign Policy blog, Marc Lynch has been analysing the UN's gameplan, saying its intervention is a high-stakes gamble. If it succeeds quickly, then it could reverse the flagging fortunes of the Arab uprisings. But if it does not, and the intervention degenerates into a long quagmire of air strikes, grinding street battles, and growing pressure for the introduction of outside ground forces, the narrative could change quickly into an Iraq-like rage against Western imperialism.

1300 There is some strong discussion of Libya on

the World at One programme on BBC Radio 4 at 1300 GMT.

Guests include MPs Douglas Alexander, Rory Stewart and Richard Ottaway, while Brigadier Ben Barry of the International Institute for Strategic Studies will discuss the military assets available to allied forces, and veteran British diplomat Carne Ross will outline what action the UN resolution authorises. Tune in if you can.

1259France says it remains cautious after Libyan ceasefire announcement, according to Reuters news agency. Officials say the "threat on the ground has not changed".

1256 More on the ceasefire statement from the Libyan foreign minister. He said the Security Council had acted unreasonably in authorising the use of military action against Libya. He said this was a violation of the UN Charter and Libya's sovereignty.

1250Responding to the announcement of a ceasefire, UK Shadow Foreign Secretary Douglas Alexander says the Gaddafi regime needs to be judged "by its deeds not its words". If this turns out to be a real initiative, he says, then it makes it even more important that efforts are made by the international community to help plan for Libya's future.

1248Foreign Minister Mussa Kussa says Libya "takes great interest in protecting civilians". He added that Libya would also protect all foreigners and foreign assets in the country.

1240Libyan government calls an immediate ceasefire, saying it is acting to protect civilians in acordance with the UN Security Council resolution.

1238Libya's Foreign Minister says his country is committed to accept the UN Security Council resolution, and so has decided an immediate ceasefire and the stopping of all military operations.

1230 Carl Bildt, Foreign Minister of Sweden tweets: "Seem things are slowly moving in the right direction on UN & Libya. But stop Gaddafi only beginning. Building new Libya the real challenge."

1230Spokesman for David Cameron says there will be a joint statement from the UK prime minister, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and other world leaders on Friday afternoon, which will set out the moves to enforce the UN Security Council resolution.

1226The Arab League says the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is to join the meeting on Libya in Paris on Saturday, involving the European Union, the Arab League and the African Union.

1220Spain will allow Nato to use two of its military bases for the operation over Libya, according to AFP. It quotes Defence Minister Carme Chacon saying Spain will also provide air and naval forces for use in air operations.

1214BBC diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Marcus suggests there are two air missions to be carried out: To establish a round-the-clock no fly zone, and to prevent Libyan forces bombarding or approaching Benghazi. Both operations might require the destruction of some of the Libyan government's air defences, he says, but it is not clear if this would be done at the outset of any operation, or simply when aircraft were engaged by Libyan government radar.

1212 More details on the summit which will be held in France on Saturday - it will bring together the Arab League, African Union and the European Union but not all representatives of these organisations will be present.

1209Spokesman for UK Prime Minister David Cameron says there was "strong support" for the PM's approach at Friday's emergency cabinet meeting. Ministers were given copies of the legal advice on the no-fly zone from the British attorney general.

1203 Chris Doyle from Council for Arab-British Understanding tweets: "Being told that #Gaddafi tanks are just shelling Misurata indiscriminately."

1200 If you're interested in reaction to the UN no-fly resolution in the US and UK,

here's a round-up of responses

from commentators on both sides of the pond.

1156Belgium's European Affairs Minister Olivier Chastel tells the AFP news agency his country will contribute six F-16 fighter planes and a frigate to the operation to enforce a no-fly zone over Libya.

1135 Nazeem Ali, from Hounslow, London, writes: "it is good to hear that finally some tangible steps are indeed being taken to stop pro-gaddafi forces killing innocent civilians and it is particularly a matter of pride that such a measure has been initiated by the British."

Have Your Say

1150The BBC's Ian Pannell in eastern Libya says pro-Gaddafi troops are battling rebel forces in the coastal town of As-Zuwaytinah, which lies between Ajdabiya and Benghazi. The sound of constant bombing can be heard and Libyan planes have been spotted in the skies over the town, he says. There are also unconfirmed reports that the Libyan navy has taken up aggressive positions just off the coast of the town. The rebels say they have lost a number of fighters and a number of civilians have also been killed. They claim to have detained as many as 20 government troops including snipers.

1149AFP news agency reports that a Belgian government minister has said his country is ready to intervene in Libya under the Nato umbrella.

1143UK opposition Labour leader Ed Miliband said the decision to involve Britain was grave and serious, but he gave his backing to the government. "The military action that is being embarked upon has broad support, a legal base and recognises our responsibility to protect the Libyan people," he said.

1135 Libyan Youth Movement tweets: "Reports of 3 bombs or loud explosions heard in Benghazi"

1135David Cameron told the House of Commons that the operation would initially be a joint British, US and French mission with Arab support.

1125 Pat Mewton, from Worcestershire, UK, writes: "Why are we once again using our Armed Forces to intervene in Arab affairs. If The Arabs want a no fly zone then let them enforce it. Our Armed Forces should only be used to defend the sovereignty of our country. This will only give more ammunition to Muslim Radicals."

Have Your Say

1126David Cameron says France will host talks about the no-fly zone on Saturday with senior international politicians, including representatives from across the Arab world.

1124The AFP news agency reports that Colonel Gaddafi has threatened to "turn into hell the lives" of anyone who attacks Libya in line with the UN Security Council resolution passed overnight.

1120David Cameron tells the House of Commons that air-to-air refuelling and surveillance aircraft are also being moved to airbases from where they can start to take "the necessary action" over Libya.

1120 Libyan Dictator tweets: "Gaddafi forces shell #Misrata hospital. Clashed continue inside city. Gaddafi forces targeting ambulances making injured impossible to get to."

1108Europe's air traffic agency says Libya denies the earlier claim that it is shutting down its air space, according to the AFP news agency. European governments have decided to ban all civilian flights to Libya in the wake of the UN resolution.

1110UK Prime Minister David Cameron says Britain is to deploy RAF Tornado and Typhoon fighters to help enforce the UN resolution on Libya. He told the House of Commons preparations to deploy the aircraft have already started.

1106Arabic TV channels Al-Jazeera and Al-Arabiya are reporting fighting and casualties in the Libyan town of Misrata. Rebels have told Reuters that houses are being bombed.

1052The head of the Arab League, Amr Moussa, says participation of any Arab state in implementing the no-fly zone will be discussed between individual nations. He stressed the UN resolution had not backed any invasion, and said it was to protect civilians.

1048UK Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is to address a meeting of his Lib Dem MPs over Libya. Sources close to Mr Clegg say he is "strongly supportive" of the UN resolution, and Lib Dem ministers were said to have given backing to David Cameron's approach in cabinet.

1038BBC political correspondent Norman Smith says government sources expect there to be a Commons vote on Libya on Monday. It will be on a substantive motion tabled by the government.

1031The emergency meeting of the UK cabinet has ended, and Prime Minister David Cameron has been driven away from Downing Street.

1029Turkey, which is a member of Nato, says it opposes foreign intervention in what it calls its "friend and brother Libya". Adds that UN resolution is binding on all countries.

1003Shadow Foreign Secretary, Douglas Alexander, praises "the work that Britain and other nations have undertaken to ensure that the Security Council have reached this important agreement. The responsibility for this crisis rests squarely with the Gaddafi Regime, and by this Resolution the United Nations has now placed a responsibility on its members to act to protect the Libyan people."

0946Europe's air traffic agency tells the AFP news agency that Libya has shut down its air space to all traffic until further notice.

0940This page will bring live BBC updates on developments in the Libya crisis. Prime Minister David Cameron is meeting his cabinet now. A Commons statement is expected at 1100 GMT.

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