Brussels, June 4 (IANS) NATO has decided to send an expert team to Libya to evaluate a possible mission to train local forces after the Libyan government made a request last week, NATO secretary general Anders Fogh Rasmussen said Tuesday.
"Allies yesterday decided to send an expert-level delegation to engage on the details of the request. The delegation will identify the areas in which NATO could add value," reported Xinhua citing Rasmussen as saying on his arrival for a two-day NATO defence ministers' meeting in Brussels.
"I expect the team to report back by the end of June, so we can decide on the way ahead," he said, adding "this would be a fitting way to continue our cooperation with Libya".
In 2011, the military alliance led a seven-month bombing campaign in Libya, which enabled Libyan rebel fighters to topple the Gaddafi regime.
The NATO chief said the alliance would consider providing advice or expertise to Libya, instead of deploying troops. "If we are to engage in training activities, such activities could take place outside Libya," he said.
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