The motion, approved in a 39-3 vote, suspends Ford's authority to appoint and dismiss the deputy mayor and his executive committee.

Albania's refusal marked an unprecedented break from its traditionally staunch allegiance to NATO ally Washington.

Spain, the No 4 economy, was warned its deficit would breach the EU limit of 3% of annual economic output.

Prime Minister Ali Zeidan gave a televised address in which he said all militias had to leave Tripoli without exception.

Netanyahu reiterated his government's opposition to Iran pursuing any research that could lead to the development of a nuclear weapon.