Benghazi rejoices UN no-fly zone resolution

RABAT (Itar-Tass) - Thousands of Benghazi residents in
Libya celebrated the decision of the UN Security Council on Thursday to
authorize a no-fly zone over Libya to curb Muammar Gaddafi's plan to seize
the second biggest city in the country.
Al Jazeera television showed thousands of Benghazi residents in a
central square celebrating the U.N. vote, waving anti-Gaddafi tricolor
flags and chanting defiance of the ruler. Fireworks burst over the city.
Earlier Gaddafi threatened to storm the rebel city with "no mercy, no
pity." "It's over. The issue has been decided," Gaddafi said in a radio
address. "We are coming tonight...We will find you in your closets."
The U.N. Security Council passed a resolution endorsing a no-fly zone
to halt government troops now around 100 km from Benghazi. It also
authorized "all necessary measures" to protect civilians against Gaddafi's
forces.
Italy is ready to make its military bases available to enforce the
no-fly zone on Libya, Reuters reported quoting an Italian government
source.
The airbase at Sigonella in Sicily, which provides logistical support
for the United States Sixth Fleet, is one of the closest NATO bases to
Libya and could be used in any military operation.
NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu told Tass in Brussels the alliance
council will urgently meet on Friday to consider no-fly zone enforcement.