NATO Officially Takes over Libya Operations' Command

The handover to NATO of the no-fly mission in Libya could come as early as this weekend. File photo

NATO has agreed to take command of enforcing the no-fly zone over Libya from the US, an official press release of the Alliance, distributed in Brussels Friday, informs.

In the announcement NATO points out they are undertaking these actions as part of the international effort to protect civilians from attacks of the regime of Libyan dictator, Muammar Gaddafi, adding the Alliance will collaborate with partners in the region and would be glad to accept their contributions.

All NATO allies are firm on fulfilling their obligations from resolution 1973 of the UN Security Council, the press release states.

Earlier during the week, the Alliance declared it would take over the weapons embargo imposed on Libya by the Council.

NATO Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, had said talks would continue on giving NATO a "broader responsibility," with a decision possible in the coming days, adding all had agreed to the move, including Turkey, which had expressed doubts over strikes on a fellow Muslim country.

The handover of the no-fly mission could come as early as this weekend.

Meanwhile, coalition raids on Libya continued for a sixth night to enforce the UN resolution.

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