As calls are mounting for the imposition of a no-fly zone, what lies ahead for Libya?
France becomes first major European country to recognise opposition as legitimate government.
France has now officially recognised the National Council, the alternative government set up by the Libyan opposition in Benghazi, and has severed ties with Muammar Gaddafi’s regime.
Reports from France, meanwhile, indicate that Nicolas Sarkozy, the French president, is also considering lobbying the EU to back air strikes against specific targets in Libya.
Al Jazeera’s Tim Friend reports from Paris.