Global General

NATO to enforce no-fly zone over Libya

(Xinhua/Agencies)
Updated: 2011-03-25 09:46

BRUSSELS - NATO agreed late Thursday to take over part of the military operations against Libya?- enforcement of the no-fly zone, the alliance's chief said Thursday evening.

Libyan mourners attend the funeral of the people who were killed after air strikes by coalition forces last night, at the martyrs' cemetery in Tripoli March 24, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

"At this moment there will still be a coalition operation and a NATO operation," Fogh Rasmussen said. "We are considering whether NATO should take on the broader responsibility in accordance with the UN Security Council resolution, but that decision has not been reached yet."

"We are taking action as part of the broad international effort to protect civilians against the attacks by the Gaddafi regime. We will cooperate with our partners in the region and welcome their contributions," Rasmussen said in a statement.

NATO expects to commence enforcement of the no-fly zone within 48-72 hours. The operation will be commanded from Naples by Adm. Samuel J. Locklear. US warplanes will continue flying strike missions over Libya, the Pentagon said earlier Thursday.

NATO also agreed to launch military planning for a broader mandate, including a no-drive zone that would prevent Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's armor and artillery from moving. The North Atlantic Council is scheduled to meet on Sunday to consider the plans.

"Without prejudging deliberations, I would expect a decision in coming days," Fogh Rasmussen said.

In this photo released March 24, 2011 by ECPAD (French Defence communication and audiovisual production agency), French Navy flight deck crew members prepare Rafale jets fighter aboard France's flagship Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier March 23, 2011. The carrier, carrying a crew of around 1,800 and some 20 aircraft, is accompanied by an attack submarine, several frigates and a refuelling ship defence officials have said. [Photo/Agencies]

NATO'S top decision-making body, the North Atlantic Council, had been struggling for six days to reach an agreement on using its military command and control capability to coordinate the operation in Libya. The logjam appeared to have broken earlier Thursday when Turkey, which had sought assurances that the NATO operation would be limited, finally gave its assent. The alliance needs the approval of all 28 members to take such action.

Turkey's parliament authorized the government to participate in military operations in Libya, including the no-fly zone. Turkey is NATO's only Muslim member.

NATO's supreme allied commander in Europe, US Admiral James Stavridis, would take overall command of the mission.

"We have taken on responsibility for the no-fly zone, while the coalition still continues its activities ... We are considering whether we should take on that broader responsibility. However, that decision has not been made yet," Rasmussen said.

Washington, London and Paris agreed Tuesday that the alliance should play a key operational role in the coalition's operation. However, NATO countries, Germany and Turkey, have strong reservations.

NATO warships and aircraft Wednesday began a mission to enforce the UN's arms embargo on Libya.

Sixteen naval vessels from Italy, Turkey, Spain, the United States, Britain, Greece and Canada are participating in the operation, which is being commanded from NATO's base in Naples, NATO military officials said.

NATO naval vessels would "cut off the flow of arms and mercenaries" and remain in international waters, they said.