France prepares forces for Libya intervention

The agreement will allow for a ‘no-fly-zone’ over the embattled North African country and permit international militaries to launch airstrikes against Colonel Gaddafi’s forces, as the Libyan dictator tries to suppress a widespread uprising. The French foreign minister Alain Juppé appeared at the UN headquarters in New York to push through the resolution.

The government has been quick to organise its military force to use against Gaddafi. Associated Press reported earlier today that Mirage and Rafale fighter jets were ready to be deployed from bases near Istres and Marseille. The Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier in Toulon has reportedly also been prepared to be launched rapidly, if necessary.

This afternoon the Libyan foreign minister Mussa Kussa, called a ceasefire between loyalist forces and the rebels. Despite this there have been reports of loud explosions coming from the Libyan capital Tripoli earlier this evening and widespread scepticism to whether Gaddafi will remain true to his word.

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