NATO not to arrest Libyan leader Gaddafi

[News_Editor]

NATO not to arrest Libyan leader Gaddafi

2011-06-29 04:58:23 GMT+7 (ICT)

BRUSSELS (BNO NEWS) -- The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Tuesday announced that it will not seek the arrest of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi as it is not part of its mandate.

"It is not for NATO to enforce the arrest warrant. That is for the appropriate authorities. Our mandate is to protect civilians from attack," said NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu.

On Monday, the International Criminal Court (ICC) used arrest warrants for Gaddafi and two others, Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi (his son) and Abdullah Al-Senussi, for crimes against humanity.

Lungescu labeled the arrest warrants as historic and demonstrated why NATO got involved in the Libyan conflict. The spokesperson added that Gaddafi should be on trial and not in power.

"The arrest warrants are yet another signal from the international community to the Gaddafi regime," added Lungescu. "They show exactly why that resolution was necessary; why NATO decided to act; and why NATO will keep up the pressure until that mandate is fulfilled."

The announcement came as the NATO Operation Unified Protector in Libya entered its 90th day. General Charles Bouchard, commander of the operation, said that there has been significant progress in the eastern regions and in Benghazi city.

"Diplomacy is taking place. The markets are reopened and we are moving towards a stable environment," said Bouchard. "Gaddafi has lost moral authority to command his country. We remain committed to bringing in peace in Libya."

However, Commander Bouchard said that a significant part of the Brega area remains under Gaddafi's control. In addition, the situation in the capital city of Tripoli is still "very tense."

"In Tripoli, we have reports that the population has tried at some places to show some demonstrations against the regime. But these demonstrations have been very severely put down by a very repressive security force," added Bouchard.

Libya has been engulfed in a civil war since an uprising against Muammar Gaddafi's regime began in mid-February, while Libyan forces have been accused of violently cracking down on anti-government protesters.

NATO took control of foreign military operations in Libya on March 31 under UN Security Council Resolution 1973, which authorized member states to take 'all necessary measures' to protect civilians.

NATO forces have carried out frequent air strikes and imposed a no-fly zone over the North African country. At least 5,000 and as many as 13,000 people are believed to have been killed since the uprising began in February, fueled by successful revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt.

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