Libya protests: Diplomatic options

Since rebel forces began an uprising against Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi in mid-February, the international community has been weighing, and in some cases implementing, a wide range of measures to bring the conflict to an end.

The main bodies involved have been the UN - in particular the five permanent Security Council members, China, France, Russia, the UK and US - the European Union, and African and Arab regional organisations. Each has their own agenda - and concerns.

Some sanctions have been agreed at the UN but the issues of a no-fly zone, possible military action, and recognition of who represents Libya remain divisive.