The UN Security Council is meeting this Friday afternoon at UN HQ in NYC to debate next steps in addressing the Libyan crisis. In Geneva, the UN Human Rights Council has also been meeting, (ironically Libya is a member), and the UN Human Right Commissioner has provided a highly direct and critical report on events and the actions of Colonel Gaddafi’s authorities. It appears that an independent investigation will be initiated, and that provisions for pursuing future legal processes, including criminal prosecution, could follow, (assuming UN Security Council does not delay/block and ICC moves forward). The NATO Ambassadors (North Atlantic Council) also has met, but is likely only to act following lead of the UN Security Council, if at all. UN Security Council Sets Tone? International Criminal Court & NATO Whether the UN Security Council will authorize any military action against Gaddafi under Chapter 7 of the UN Chapter remains highly doubtful, even if NATO or other western democracies were inclined to act. There is a general consensus evolving that direct military intervention could be counterproductive, even giving credibility to Gaddafi’s ranting and appeals to paranoia against "outsiders". Nonetheless, there is also concern that the Security Council may be becoming engaged too slowly, and then only with the priority of securing the safety of their nationals in Libya and the future of Libyan petroleum. Referring the matter to the International Criminal Court may be most appropriate now, but not likely, at least for now in my opinion largely due to the major powers on the Council. Referring the matter to the ICC in their eyes means losing some leverage, and of course their own control over events. Regardless, the three permanent western powers on the Council have been playing catch up in putting forward a draft resolution. My sources tell me that they are resolute in gaining Security Council involvement as a first step, motives aside. The initial Security Council resolution may target Gaddafi’s cronies and money. It may also impose an arms embargo. by Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Eyewitness Appeal to UN Security Council from Former Libyan Diplomat Below is a plea from a former Libyan diplomat at the UN to his former colleague diplomats. It also provides first hand witness information as to what is and has been happening in the eastern part of Libya. I was hesitant to publish it, as the writer says he has been concerned for his own personal safety. However, the writer himself has decided to go public and sign personally this appeal. --- Dear all For those who dont know me , I am Ahmed Gebreel, I used to work with the Libyan Mission and I worked as a political coordinator when Libya was a member of the SC. You all aware of what is happening in Libya , but I am afraid you dont have the whole picture. I was worried about revealing my identity, but I am getting over this because of what I am seeing in Libya. Please please do something . Gaddafi is slaughtering people here and the more he kills the more people gets outrages and more people go to the streets. Dont believe what the Libyan media is broadcasting. The situation is terrible here. Just today almost 200 were buried in Benghazi , and the security forces shot them killing more than 11 , and more in other cities. The protesters are civil people, they are led by lawyers, professors and even diplomats.they dont have any link to Islamic radical groups as Gaddafi's media trying to convince outside world. The Internet has been cuttoff in the entire country for the last 4 days, we cant make international calls, media people or anyone who has any link to NGOs or International organizations are not allowed to come in to Libya. So outside world dont know what is happening in Libya. to write this Email, I had to drive more than 800KM to Egypt. People are determined to get rid of this regime, but you know the behavior of the Gaddafi. if you stood up this might not happen with a high cost. The Libyan military forces have joined the protesters in most of the cities, and sometimes they are fighting the forgeign Mercenaries. I fully aware of the limit you work within , but please dont spare any efforts to save the people here. Sincerely Ahmed Gebreel -------------- More Reports Linked: diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/libyagaddafiun-security-council/24965 diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/libya-gaddaficriminal-investigation-un-secretay-general/25000 This Was Never Gaddafi's Libya, by Ambassador mo