@bnnNEWSLIVEWAR IN LIBYA
UPDATE 1-NATO sees end to Libya mission within 90 daysgoo.gl/fb/Aog4U #libya
UPDATE 1-NATO sees end to Libya mission within 90 days
(Adds details)
* NATO says Gaddafi forces isolated, surrounded
* Alliance to continue mission as long as threat remains
By David Brunnstrom
BRUSSELS, Sept 22 (Reuters) - NATO said on Thursday it was confident it could conclude its mission in Libya before the end of a 90-day extension agreed this week, and called on forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi to surrender.
The Western military alliance, which has bombed Libya since March, has continued to hit holdout positions of Gaddafi loyalists since the leader was toppled a month ago. NATO's 28 member states agreed on Wednesday to extend the operation's mandate by 90 days. It had been due to expire on Sept 27.
NATO's commander for Libya, Lieutenant-General Charles Bouchard, said the activities of pro-Gaddafi forces were now confined to three isolated areas and they were no longer able to coordinate action.
"I am highly confident that we can complete this mission well within the limits as provided by NATO," Bouchard told a news briefing.
Bouchard said the campaign of air strikes and naval patrols would continue as long as a threat remained to civilians. NATO launched its campaign after the U.N. Security Council authorised military action in March to protect Libyan civilians. Continued...
