• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Press briefing on Libya by Oana Lungescu, the NATO Spokesperson and Colonel Roland Lavoie, Operation ‘’Unified Protector’’ military spokesperson

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

06 Sep. 2011

Press briefing on Libya

by Oana Lungescu, the NATO Spokesperson and Colonel Roland Lavoie, Operation ‘’Unified Protector’’ military spokesperson

OANA LUNGESCU (NATO Spokesperson): Good afternoon. Welcome to everyone here in Brussels, in Naples and all who are following this press conference on the internet. We are joined from Naples by Colonel Roland Lavoie, the military spokesman for Operation Unified Protector.

Before we begin, I would like to thank Italy, and Italian broadcaster RAI, for hosting the video transmission and technical infrastructure for today’s broadcast. Grazie mille.

Just a few words on the latest political developments. The Secretary General was in Paris last week to meet president Sarkozy, Prime Minister Fillon, and the French foreign and defence ministers. He also took part in the international conference on Libya, co-chaired by president Sarkozy and Prime Minister Cameron of Britain.

This was an important milestone in bringing together the international community to support the emerging new Libya. Participants supported the continuation of Operation Unified Protector for as long as necessary, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973. The meeting also reaffirmed the lead role of the United Nations in coordinating effective and quick support for the people of Libya during the transition and stabilisation phase. The Secretary General made clear, as he did during yesterday's press conference, that NATO stands ready to play a supporting role in the post-conflict era, if needed and requested. The next Friends of Libya meeting has been scheduled for September 20 on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York -- and the Secretary General has of course been invited.

Libya is turning a new page in its history. The situation in Tripoli and many other parts of the country is returning to normal faster than many would have thought. So it's high time that the remnants of the Qadafi regime accept reality, lay down their weapons and deal with divisions through dialogue, not bloodshed.

Before I hand over to Roland in Naples for the weekly operational update, I would like to tell you that on Sunday, 11 September, there will be a ceremony at NATO Headquarters to commemorate the victims of terrorism. NATO Secretary General will make an address and the ceremony will be attended by NATO Permanent Representatives, Partners Ambassadors, Deputy Secretary General, Chairman of the Military Committee, Military Representatives and Senior NATO International and Staff as well as Military officials. Media are invited to attend as spectators no later than 15h10.

Now, I hand over to Roland in Naples. Thank you.