TRIPOLI - Libyan Foreign Minister Musa Kusa said his country has announced a ceasefire and halted all military operations, saying Libyan is keen on protecting all civilians and foreigners.

Kusa expressed his regret over the UN Security Council resolution authorizing a no-fly zone over Libya, slamming an international mobilization for using a force against the Libyan region.

In its Thursday emergency meeting, the UN Security Council passed the resolution on endorsing a no-fly zone and authorizing " all necessary measures", an appointed reference to military operations, to protect civilians in Libya.