Nato agrees to split Libya operation

Nato said on the 24 March 2011 that it had agreed to take over responsibility from the US for enforcing the no-fly zone over Libya.

Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said talks would continue on giving Nato a 'broader responsibility', with a decision possible in the coming days.

Mr Rasmussen said all of Nato had agreed to the move, including Turkey, which had expressed doubts over strikes on a fellow Muslim country.

There was also to be discussion on the role of a new 'political committee' to include Arab countries which would be determined in the following days. EU leaders also agreed to adopt new oil and gas sanctions on Gaddafi.

ESO: Background information: Libya coalition command talks fail again http://www.europeansources.info/record/libya-coalition-command-talks-fail-again/

BBC News, 25.3.11: Nato takes over Libya no-fly zone http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12856665

EUObserver, 25.3.11: Nato to enforce no-fly zone on Libya http://euobserver.com/9/32060

EurActiv, 25.3.11: European leaders tighten noose on Gaddafi http://www.euractiv.com/global-europe/european-leaders-tighten-noose-g-news-503510

EEAS: Libya http://www.eeas.europa.eu/libya/index_en.htm

NATO: Topics: NATO and Libya http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-C62C625B-485F659F/natolive/topics_71641.htm

European Council: Press Release, 25.3.11: Extract from the European Council conclusions - Libya / southern neighbourhood http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/ec/120291.pdf

Council of the European Union: Press Release, PRES/11/79 (24.3.11): LIBYA: EU imposes additional sanctions following the adoption of UNSCR 1973 http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/120220.pdf

NATO: Press Release, 24.3.11: NATO Secretary General's statement on Libya no-fly zone http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-09A5FE2A-5C9B435B/natolive/news_71763.htm

---