The full membership of the United Nations on Tuesday suspended Libya from the U.N. Human Rights Council in the latest international effort to isolate Moammar Gadhafi’s government for its violent attacks on civilian protesters.
The U.N. General Assembly voted by consensus on the council’s recommendation to suspend Libya’s rights of council membership for committing “gross and systematic violations of human rights.”
The assembly also expressed “deep concern” about the human rights situation in Libya.
The vote does not permanently remove Libya from the council, but prevents it from participation until the General Assembly determines whether to restore the country to full status.
The resolution was sponsored by Arab and African states.
Venezuelan Ambassador Jorge Valero expressed reservations about the vote.
“A decision such as this one could only take place after a genuine investigation,” he said.
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