The UN Security Council has discussed the idea of authorizing a no-fly zone over Libya, but no consensus emerged among its 15 members.
Russia said it had questions about the proposal.
France, which along with Britain has led calls for an enforced ban on military flights across Libya, said it hoped the Arab League decision to ask the council to impose a no-fly zone would persuade reluctant members to support it.
After the inconclusive meeting, France's UN ambassador Gerard Araud said he was still hopeful of getting a no-fly zone resolution approved.
He said the council should act with greater urgency given the situation on the ground in Libya, where forces loyal to leader Muammar Gaddafi have launched a fierce counter-offensive against rebels trying to oust him and end his 41-year rule.
Council diplomats said the French goal of getting the council to vote on the no-fly zone by mid-week was ambitious.
Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin told reporters the council was not yet in a position to vote on a no-fly zone and fundamental questioned needed to be answered, such as who would implement the zone.
Mr Churkin added that Moscow remained "open-minded" and had not rejected the idea.
US ambassador Susan Rice told council members Washington was open to discussion of a no-fly zone, as part of a broader plan, but added that it was unlikely to stop the killing by itself, a diplomat told Reuters.
