PARIS (AFP) – The Arab League supports imposing a no-fly zone over Libya to prevent Muamer Gaddafi’s government forces attacking rebels, French officials said Monday, quoting the league’s secretary general.

Secretary general Amr Musa told French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe that the league backed the idea when the pair met in Cairo on Sunday, foreign ministry spokesman Bernard Valero told reporters.

“Mr. Musa confirmed the support of the Arab League for a no-fly zone,” Valero said.

Juppe said Saturday his country was working with Britain to get a United Nations Security Council resolution to impose a no-fly zone in Libya.

Juppe and British Foreign Secretary William Hague said last week they were preparing measures to propose to the European Union summit on Libya set for Friday, specifically mentioning a possible no-fly zone.

US President Barack Obama said Thursday he was examining the “full range” of military options, including a no-fly zone, if the revolt in Libya turns into a bloody stalemate and humanitarian disaster.

Libya has been rocked by the revolt against Gaddafi’s four-decade rule which erupted on February 17.

Gaddafi is fighting a bloody rearguard action against rebels and the turmoil has sparked a mass exodus from the oil-rich north African nation.