NATO Says Not Too Late For Libya Intervention

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NATO Says Not Too Late For Libya Intervention

March 17, 2011

The head of NATO says he does not think it's too late to intervene in Libya, but much depends on the United Nations.

NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said in Warsaw, referring to current deliberations at the UN Security Council, that "time is rapidly running out, but I don't think it's too late."

Rasmussen said that "very much will depend" on the council's decision on whether to impose a no-fly zone in Libya to protect civilians as forces loyal to Muammar Qaddafi close in on Benghazi, Libya's second-largest city and the rebels' main stronghold.

Supporters of a no-fly zone over Libya are pushing for a vote on the issue later today at the UN.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice said on March 16 that action to protect civilians might have to "go beyond a no-fly zone." The United States had previously been cool to the proposal.

Russia and China, both veto-holding council members, have voiced reservations about any military intervention.

Libyan state television, meanwhile, said forces loyal to Qaddafi are on the outskirts of Benghazi in the east of the country.

There is no independent confirmation of the report.

compiled from agency reports

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/nato_not_too_late_for_libya_intervention/2341521.html

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NATO Says Not Too Late For Libya Intervention