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.

Nation/entity	No-fly zone	Sanctions
Britain	Driving force for new UN resolution. Wants international and regional support but plays down US claims that force needed against air defences, saying there are "alternatives"	Froze all funds and assets of Col Gaddafi and his family on 27 February. On 3 March, implemented new EU sanctions. Vocal in urging EU to explore more sanctions
Other: Instigated botched SAS mission to make contact with Libyan rebels. Not yet recognised rebel National Transition Council as representing Libya
China	Vague on specifics. Says next UN step must aim to return Libya to "stability". Insists sovereignty must be respected. Would not accept call for regime change. Unlikely to back military action	Supported UN Resolution 1970 on sanctions amid backing from regional and African allies for the move
Other: Carried out effective evacuation of citizens. Nervous of domestic situation after internet calls for "Jasmine Protests"
France	Joined UK in driving for UN resolution. Vocal in support of rebels after criticism of role over Tunisia and Egypt	Along with UK, proposed the UN Security Council resolution passed on Libya on 26 February
Other: Recognises rebels' National Transition Council as the legitimate representative of the Libyan people
Russia	Cool. Opposes military intervention and could veto in UN Security Council. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has called no-fly zone "superfluous"	Backs sanctions as means to apply pressure. Banned all weapons sales to Libya. One arms official said this could cost Moscow $4bn (£2.5bn)
Other: President Dmitry Medvedev fears spread of regional turmoil, saying any unrest in Russia would be quashed
United States	Actively discussing but insists on UN resolution. Could be implemented in days, US says, but President Obama's aides indicate it may have "limited impact". Has not ruled out military action	25 February: Froze assets of Col Gaddafi, his family and leading officials. About $30bn has been frozen, the Treasury says. Travel bans and arms embargo
Other: Exploring whether UN resolution has flexibility to arm rebels
European Union	Discussing the issue with Nato. MEPs on 10 March overwhelmingly passed a resolution backing a no-fly zone, in line with the UN charter	Arms ban, assets freeze. UN visa ban on 16 people, including Col Gaddafi, increased to cover another 10 more. On 10 March expanded asset measures to include Libyan Investment Authority and others
Other: Foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton met rebels but says recognition of rebels' National Council up to member nations
United Nations	Clear divisions within the Security Council. Libyan rebels consider asking UN for no-fly zone	26 March: Resolution 1970 imposes arms embargo, travel bans and asset freezes on Col Gaddafi and his family. Refers Libya to the International Criminal Court
Other: Suspends Libya from Human Rights Council. Appoints Jordan ex-foreign minister as special envoy to Libya. Humanitarian team to go to Tripoli
Arab League	General accord for the move but rejects foreign military intervention. Key meeting on 12 March. Six-nation Gulf Co-operation Council backs zone	Covered by UN Resolution 1970
Other: Has suspended Libya as a member. Senior Gaddafi aide said to have flown to Cairo on 9 March to meet Arab League
African Union	Has not publicly opposed the move but has long relationship with Col Gaddafi and consensus could be difficult. West may get tacit and unpublicised support but AU members will not want to set precedents of outside intervention in Africa	Covered by UN Resolution 1970
Other: AU commission chief Jean Ping condemned "the disproportionate use of force in Libya"
Nato	Discussed with US and EU. Now moving more ships to Mediterranean. Can respond at "very short notice". Insists on UN resolution	Members covered by UN Resolution 1970. Will help enforce arms embargo
Other: Has launched a 24-hour air surveillance of Libya using its Awacs reconnaissance planes