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International leaders and senior politicians react to the passage by the UN security council of a resolution on Libya that supports a no-fly zone and "all necessary measures" to protect civilians short of an invasion.

The resolution passed 10-0, with Brazil, China, Germany, India and Russia abstaining.

Libyan Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Kaaim

"I think the intention is not to have any fighting in the country and not to have any violence by all the parties, especially from the rebels, from the armed militias but the technical part of such a decision needs to be talked about maybe with some countries, members of the security council or with the observers from the United Nations because we are still insisting on the need to have the fact finding mission here in the country as soon as possible...

"This resolution shows an aggressive attitude on the part of the international community, which threatens the unity of Libya and its stability." [Source: AFP]

Libyan rebel spokesman Saadon al-Misraty

"In Misrata here almost all of the people of Misrata have taken to the streets in jubilation and in joy at the actual passing of the resolution eventually. We have been hearing gunshots up in the air.

"We have been hearing car horns for the international response that took place just a minute ago. This is definitely a major step towards the aim of toppling the Gaddafi regime altogether."

US ambassador to the UN Susan Rice

"The US is very pleased with today's vote and with the strong provisions of Resolution 1973. This resolution should send a strong message to Col Gaddafi and his regime that the violence must stop, the killing must stop, and the people of Libya must be protected and have the opportunity to express themselves freely.

"This resolution was designed to do two important things: protect civilians as well as strengthen the pressure on the Gaddafi regime."

Chinese ambassador to the UN Li Baodong

"China is always against the use of force in international relations. China has serious difficulty with parts of the resolution. Meanwhile, China attaches great importance to the position of the 22-member Arab league on the establishment of a no-fly zone over Libya. We also attach great importance to the position of the African countries and the African Union.

"In view of this... China abstained from the vote on the resolution."

UK Foreign Secretary William Hague

"We have said all along that Gaddafi must go, that the Libyan people must be able to have a more representative government and determine their own future. And it is necessary to take these measures to avoid greater bloodshed, to try to stop what is happening in terms of the attacks on civilians, on the people of Libya.

"And this places a responsibility on members of the United Nations, and that is a responsibility to which the United Kingdom will now respond."

Russian ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin

"This is most regrettable. The responsibility for the inevitable humanitarian consequences of the excessive use of outside force in Libya will fall fair and square on the shoulders of those who might undertake such action.

"If this comes to pass then not only the civilian population of Libya but also the cause of upholding peace and security throughout the whole region of North Africa and the Middle East will suffer."

Herman Van Rompuy, European Council President, and Baroness Ashton, EU High Representative

"We fully endorse the UN demand for a complete end to the violence and all attacks against, and abuses of, civilians, and finding a solution to the crisis.

"We underline the important role of the Arab League and our Arab partners. Their co-operation is essential and their role is clearly recognised by the resolution. The European Union is ready to implement this resolution within its mandate and competences."

German ambassador to the United Nations Peter Wittig

"We see great risks. The likelihood of large-scale loss of life should not be underestimated.

"If the steps proposed turn out to be ineffective, we see the danger of being drawn into a protracted military conflict that would effect the wider region.

"We should not enter a military confrontation on the optimistic assumption that quick results, with few casualties, will be achieved."

Deputy Libyan ambassador to the UN Ibrahim Dabbashi

"It is a clear message to the Libyan people that they are not alone, that the international community is with them and they are going to help them to protect themselves."