Sky News
The Libyan government has announced an immediate ceasefire, less than two hours after Prime Minister David Cameron said British fighter jets would be deployed to enforce a United Nations no-fly zone.
Foreign Minister Mousa Kousa said Libya was declaring an immediate ceasefire and stopping all military operations against rebels.
Mr Kousa said the government would also "open dialogue channels" to ensure there was sustained peace in Libya.
But the Reuters news agency reported government troops were still shelling the rebel-held western city of Misratah, killing at least 25 people including children.
International relations experts said the Libyan announcement of a ceasefire gives the regime of dictator Muammar Gaddafi breathing space as the UN-backed states work on a response.
libyan foreign minister: we have declared a ceasefire
Oliver Miles, former British ambassador to Libya, told Sky News: "I think he has taken a step that no one foresaw.
"It is very difficult to read Gaddafi's mind but I think he sees this as a way of holding back the military attack."
Sky's Lisa Holland, reporting from Tripoli, said: "It is very, very interesting to hear this complete change in the regime's rhetoric.
"The language has changed dramatically and now they are talking about saving civilians - last night the regime was warning Benghazi residents they were coming to get them."
Libyan government soldiers test fire an armoured anti-aircraft gun at the west gate of town Ajdabiyah.
Armoured Libyan anti-aircraft tracked vehicles are considered as a no-fly threat
After the ceasefire was announced, Mr Cameron responded to the 11th-hour decision by Mr Gaddafi.
"We will judge him by his actions and not his words - he must stop what he is doing and brutalising his people."
Prime Minister David Cameron had earlier told the House of Commons: "Britain will deploy Tornados and Typhoons as well as air-to-air refuelling and surveillance aircraft.
"Our forces will join an international operation to enforce the resolution if Gaddafi fails to comply with its demand that he ends attacks on civilians.
"Preparations to deploy these aircraft have already started and in the coming hours they will move to bases from where they can start to take the necessary action."
~Cheer up, the worst is yet to come.~