Libya announces ceasefire, halts military operation: FM

The Video image shows Libyan Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa (L) says that Libya declared a ceasefire in the country to protect civilians and comply with a United Nations resolution passed overnight on March 18, 2011. (Xinhua)

TRIPOLI, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Libyan Foreign Minister Musa Kusa said his country has announced a ceasefire and halted all military operations, saying Libyan is keen on protecting all civilians and foreigners.

Kusa expressed his regret over the UN Security Council resolution authorizing a no-fly zone over Libya, slamming an international mobilization for using a force against the Libyan region.

In its Thursday emergency meeting, the UN Security Council passed the resolution on endorsing a no-fly zone and authorizing " all necessary measures", an appointed reference to military operations, to protect civilians in Libya.