NATO chief says there is 'no military solution' for Libya

[News_Editor]

NATO chief says there is 'no military solution' for Libya

2011-05-09 18:17:31 GMT+7 (ICT)

TRIPOLI (BNO NEWS) -- NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen on Sunday said there is 'no military solution' for the civil war in Libya and that 'the game is over' for Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Rasmussen made the comments during an interview on CNN on Sunday. "The game is over for Gaddafi. He should realize sooner rather than later that there's no future for him or his regime," Rasmussen said.

NATO took control of foreign military operations in Libya on March 31 under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, which authorizes member states to take 'all necessary measures' to protect civilians in the North African country.

NATO forces from several countries have carried out a series of airstrikes against government forces and installations since the launch of Operation Unified Protector, the codename for NATO's operation in Libya. But fighting has continued despite the military action.

"We have to realize that there is no military solution [in Libya]," Rasmussen said, adding that Gaddafi will be removed from power amid 'the wind of change' in North Africa and the Middle East. "We will need a political solution to break the stalemate."

According to NATO's latest operational update, the alliance carried out at least 69 airstrikes from Sunday to Monday. Most of them struck vehicle and ammunition storages in the vicinity of Hun, south of Sirte, while two airstrikes hit military operational facilities in Tripoli.

When asked when NATO's mission in Libya would be over, Rasmussen said the alliance has defined three military objectives before it can consider the operation successful. "Firstly, a complete end to all attacks against civilians. Secondly, a free and unhindered and immediate access for humanitarian assistance. And thirdly, a withdrawal of Gaddafi military forces and paramilitary forces to their bases and barracks," he said. "When these objectives are fulfilled, our mission is accomplished."

The ongoing civil war between rebels and forces loyal to Gaddafi has so far claimed at least 2,000 lives since unrest began in mid-February. Other estimates put the death toll from all sides, including civilians, at up to 10,000.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-05-09