The UN Security Council has rejected a Russian proposal to pass a smaller resolution calling for a cease-fire in Libya, even as the 15-member body debated a draft resolution to impose a no-fly zone over the North African nation.

“We did come up with the idea of doing a brief but punchy ceasefire resolution,” the Russian envoy to the UN, Mr Vitaly Churkin, told journalists after consultations ended late Wednesday.

“I even offered to include some specific strong language directing the call for a ceasefire particularly to the Libyan authorities,” he said, noting that the proposal was not meant to replace the no-fly zone resolution.

France, however, said the Russian proposal was weaker than the resolution passed by the Security Council, last month, which had not deterred Mr Muammar Gaddafi’s forces from a violent crackdown on the rebels and civilian population.

Resolution 1970, adopted on February 26, slapped sanctions on the Libyan regime including an arms embargo, an asset freeze and travel ban on Mr Gaddafi and his loyalists, and a referral to the Hague-based International Criminal Court.

“This (Russian) proposal is certainly not enough,” said Mr Stephane Crouzat, French mission spokesperson. “It has no teeth and we don’t want to engage in a resolution that will be less than 1970.”

“Our expectation is to vote tomorrow on a forceful resolution and not on a wait and see resolution,” he added.

Ms Susan Rice, US envoy to the UN, noted the cease-fire element of the Russian proposal could be incorporated into the lengthier draft resolution.

“I think most members of the Council were focused on the importance of the Council taking swift and meaningful action to try to halt the killing on the ground,” she told journalists.

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