Nato set to take command of Libya campaign

Turmoil could destabilise Egypt, Tunisia: US Defence Secretary

Afp, Brussels

Nato looks set to agree yesterday to take command of military operations against Muammar Gaddafi as France fights to keep political control in the hands of the US-led "coalition of the willing".
Ambassadors from the 28-nation alliance gather at headquarters in the late afternoon to mull military plans for a transfer nailed down only after long days of fraught talks, over objections raised by France and Turkey.
Pressed by Western powers, notably the United States and Italy, to take the helm as swiftly as possible, the alliance was expected to give a thumbs up, possibly approving and activating immediate engagement, Nato sources said.
At present, the transatlantic organisation is manning naval operations to enforce an arms embargo against the Tripoli regime, and has agreed to take to the air to enforce a no-fly zone to protect civilians against bombings.
But as coalition air strikes pound Gaddafi forces for a ninth day, tipping the scale to favour insurgents, Nato ambassadors will scrutinise in detail the rules of engagement needed "to protect civilians", under UN resolution 1973.
In its landmark ruling, the United Nations approved "all necessary measures" to safeguard civilians under threat of attack.
But Turkey, Nato's sole predominantly Muslim member, opposes Western-led air strikes.
"If Nato takes on the broader mission, the rules of engagement will take into account the sensitivities of all Nato members, including Turkey," said an alliance diplomat who asked not to be identified.
With decisions at Nato taken by unanimous vote, talks to pin down the rules have been acrimonious to say the least, diplomats said.
From the outset, Western nations levered for support for the campaign from Arab and African states as Turkey, a key regional player, vowed to "never point a gun at the Libyan people".
In war-weary United States, President Barack Obama moved to reassure Americans on Saturday, saying "because we acted quickly, a humanitarian catastrophe has been avoided."
Another key question to resolve is who will have political control.
France has warned that flying the mission under the Nato flag would alienate Arab allies and President Nicolas Sarkozy fired a new broadside at an EU summit Friday, saying:
"It would be playing into the hands of Colonel Gaddafi to say Nato is taking over."
That squabble, as well as efforts to clarify the end-game, will return to haunt key talks in London on Tuesday between a "contact group" of coalition nations.
Many Libyan diplomats and military leaders are defecting, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said yesterday.
"We have a lot of diplomats and military leaders in Libya who are flipping, changing sides, defecting," Hillary told CBS television.