Washington, Oct 22 (ANI): NATO plans to end its seven-month mission in Libya on October 31, but will issue a formal decision next week after consulting the United Nations and Libya's interim authorities, its Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has said.
"We agreed that our operations are very close to completion and we have taken a preliminary decision to end Operation Unified Protector on October 31," The Telegraph quoted Rasmussen, as saying after having had long talks in Brussels with ambassadors of the 28-member alliance on when and how to wind up the campaign.
"In the meantime, I will consult closely with the United Nations and the National Transitional Council," the interim authority in Libya. I'm very proud of what we have achieved, together with our partners, including many from the region," he added.
He further insisted that NATO would continue to monitor the situation and "maintain the capacity to respond to threats to civilians if needed."
On being asked whether NATO strikes against Gaddafi's convoy near Sirte on Thursday were unintentional, Rasmussen said the former Libyan leader had never been a target.
He also urged Libya's transitional authorities to respect human rights, and maintain full transparency over the issue. (ANI)
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