UN Security Council condemns Libya crackdown

The U.N. Security Council on Tuesday condemned Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's crackdown on anti-government protesters and demanded an immediate end to the violence, CBS News reports.

A press statement agreed to by all 15 council members expressed "grave concern" at the situation in Libya and condemned the violence and use of force against civilians, and "deplored the repression against peaceful demonstrators, and expressed deep regret at the deaths of hundreds of civilians."

The council called for "steps to address the legitimate demands of the population, including through national dialogue." Council members said the Libyan government should "meet its responsibility to protect its population," act with restraint, and respect human rights and international humanitarian law.

Council members also asked that international human rights monitors and humanitarian agencies be given immediate access, and appealed for humanitarian assistance amid reports of shortages of medical supplies to treat the wounded.

The council underlined the need for the Libyan government to respect the rights to peaceful assembly, free expression and press freedom.