The full membership of the United Nations has suspended Libya from the UN Human Rights Council in the latest international effort to isolate Moammar Gadhafi's government for its violent attacks on civilian protesters.
The UN General Assembly voted by consensus on the council's own recommendation to suspend Libya's rights of council membership for committing "gross and systematic violations of human rights."
The assembly also expressed "deep concern" about the human rights situation in Libya.
The vote does not permanently remove Libya from the council, but prevents it from participation until the General Assembly determines whether to restore the country to full status.
The resolution was sponsored by Arab and African states.
Venezuelan Ambassador Jorge Valero expressed reservations about the vote.
"A decision such as this one could only take place after a genuine investigation," he said.
US Ambassador Susan Rice said, "People who turn their guns on their own people have no place on the human rights council."
"This is a harsh rebuke, but one that Libya's leaders have brought down upon themselves," she said. "It sends another clear warning to Mr. Gadhafi and those who stand by him: they most stop the killing."
Gadhafi "has lost any legitimacy to rule," Rice said. "He must go, and he must go now."
