NATO's Libya 'Mission' Set To Continue

Hours after the PM, David Cameron used his first speech to the United Nations General Assembly in New York to tell world leaders that the uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East have "provided a huge opportunity to spread peace, prosperity, democracy and security", it has emerged that the alliance's NATO mission to protect the people of Libya has been extended for another 90 days.

The UK Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox has now welcomed yesterday's announcement by the NATO Secretary General that the North Atlantic Council is extending the mission for a further three months.

Speaking before Dr Fox's announcement, the Prime Minister stressed, however, that opportunities for peace brought with them new responsibilities for the United Nations.

"Here at the UN, we have a responsibility to stand up against regimes that persecute their people."

The Prime Minister said the international community needed to use a combination of military action and diplomacy as well as financial aid.

Speaking specifically about Libya, the Prime Minister argued that Libyans had made clear their aspirations for greater freedom, more accountable governments and an end to corruption.

Soon after he expressed his views, the North Atlantic Council decided yesterday to extend the current NATO mandate of Operation United Protector, while keeping the situation under regular review.

Indeed, as the news was revealed, British forces were directly involved in Libya with news that RAF Tornados destroyed command and control facilities of pro-Gaddafi forces in Libya before launching successful strikes on armoured vehicles and anti-aircraft artillery.

The missions - on Wednesday - were carried out at three different locations across western and central Libya by a Royal Air Force armed reconnaissance patrol as part of NATO's efforts to enforce UN Security Council Resolution 1973.

During the afternoon, another formation of RAF Tornados was tasked by NATO to mount a precision strike on a military vehicle depot, which had been identified near Hun. This proved another successful mission; their Paveways destroying the installation with a number of direct hits.

Mandate

Now, NATO has issued a statement that said: "Together with our partners, NATO has been remarkably successful in fulfilling the mandate of the United Nations.

"But while threats to civilians persist, we will continue to protect them under the mandate confirmed unanimously in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2009, and at the request of the National Transitional Council.

"We are determined to continue our mission for as long as necessary, but ready to terminate the operation as soon as possible. While the technical rollover is for up to 90 days, the review will allow us to end our tasks at any time.

"We will do this in co-ordination with the United Nations, taking into account United Nations Security Council Resolution [UNSCR] 2009, and in line with the will of the Libyan authorities.

"This decision sends a clear message to the Libyan people. We will be there for as long as necessary, but not a day longer, while you take your future in your hands to ensure a safe transition to the new Libya."

Commenting, Dr Fox said yesterday: "The UK has been at the forefront of the campaign since the outset and, as the Prime Minister has made clear throughout, the UK will maintain its commitment for as long as it is required.

"Our support for the people of Libya at this critical time is unwavering and NATO's mission to protect civilians must continue until it is no longer necessary.

"That's why we have decided to keep 16 Tornado aircraft on operations to sustain the required fast jet sortie rate and we intend to keep two attack helicopters in theatre for as long as required.

"The good progress made to date will allow us to bring home four Typhoon fast jets and three attack helicopters in the near future without affecting our ability to continue enforcing UNSCR 1973.

"The contribution continues to be significant. Since the start of military operations in March, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Army Air Corps strikes have damaged or destroyed more than 970 former regime targets that threatened the Libyan people," he concluded.

(BMcC/GK)