The European Parliament,

–   having regard to ongoing negotiations between Libya and the European Union on the signing of a framework agreement for cooperation,

–   having regard to previous EP resolutions on Libya,

–   having regard to the UN Security Council resolution 1970/2011,

–   having regard to the Council decision from 28 February 2011,

–   having regard to the Council decision from 28 February 2011,

–   having regard to the suspension of the Framework agreement negotiation from 22 February,

–   having regard to recent statements made by High Representative Ashton and the Commission,

–   having regard to the suspension of the Framework agreement negotiation from 22 February,

–   having regard to Štefan Füle- European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy Speech on the recent events in North Africa Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), European Parliament Brussels, 28 February 2011,

–   having regard to European Commission Statement by President Barroso on the situation in North Africa Press point Brussels, 2 March 2011,

–   having regard to Rule 110(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas the violence in Libya has now reached untenable levels; thousands of people have been killed or injured and approximately 100, 000 have fled the country in search of safety and humanitarian aid,

B.  whereas European aid to the region currently stands at Euros 3 million,

C. whereas the UN Security Council and the European Council consider the Libyan situation a threat to international peace and security,

D.  whereas the UN Security Council and the Council of Ministers have imposed targeted sanctions on Libya,

E.  whereas the UN Security Council has authorised the International Criminal Court to investigate allegations of human rights abuses and crimes against humanity,

1.      Calls for the immediate departure from power of Colonel Muammar Abu Minyar al- Gaddafi and welcomes the freezing of all financial assets including those of family members and those acting on their behalf and including those held in Switzerland;

2.      Urges EU Member States, the High Representative and European Commission to consider the possibility of recognising the Benghazi authority and the National Council as the Government of Libya and by doing so allow the National Council to invite foreign allies into the country to assist in a military capacity;

3.      Urges member States to put strong pressure on the Libyan authorities to ensure that the unlawful killing of innocent protestors stops;

4.      Notes with concern the growing numbers of refugees fleeing the violent areas and seeking humanitarian aid on the Libyan borders;

5.      States that unacceptable levels of force have been used against protestors and it has been reported that tear gas and live ammunition have been used by the security services against unarmed civilians;

6.      Urges the current Libyan leadership to recognise the gravity of the situation and reiterates that civil society is pushing towards democracy;

7.      Welcomes the recent condemnation from Member States' leaders and reiterates the need for solidarity from the Member States of the EU;

8.      Welcomes the tough stance from the UN Security Council, International Criminal Court and European Council;

9.      Expresses grave concern for the conditions and safety of those that are fleeing the country and offers financial help to those Member States who are receiving the refugees;

10.    Calls on the Council, the Commission, the High Representative to closely monitor the situation in the region;

11.    Calls on western allies and friendly Arab states to seriously consider recognising the rebels interim authority as the official government of Libya and extend necessary military help to protect their people against further massacres and to actively consider all military options including a no fly zone and a protected zone where IDPs can seek sanctuary if Gaddafi resorts to renewed attacks on civilian areas;

12.    Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the government of the state of Libya.