Arab League temporarily suspends Libya

The Arab League has barred Libya from its meetings until Tripoli responds to the demands of protesters, threatening to suspend its membership after clashes that have killed hundreds. The League on Tuesday decided to "stop the government of Libya from participating in meetings of the Arab League and all bodies affiliated to it, until the Libyan authorities respond to demands, guaranteeing the security and stability of its people," it said in a statement. A meeting in March would also decide whether Libya was "fulfilling its commitment to the Arab League charter regarding membership," it said, after a crisis meeting of permanent representatives in Cairo. The 22-member body said "Arab people's ambitions for freedom, democratic reforms, development and justice are legitimate and must be respected."