October 6, 2011 - 09:16 AMT
NATO Defense Ministers say Libya operation great success

NATO Defense Ministers met in Brussels to review current operations for Libya, in Kosovo, and off the Horn of Africa.

“Our operations in Libya, Afghanistan and elsewhere demonstrate that NATO is the indispensable Alliance,” NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said in his opening remarks, according NATO HQ website.

Ministers concluded that Operation Unified Protector to protect civilians in Libya has been a great success. They reiterated their commitment to continue the mission under the United Nations mandate for as long as necessary, and their determination to bring it to an end as soon as possible. Ministers also expressed their willingness to support the new Libyan authorities with defense and security sector reforms, should Alliance support be requested.

Ministers highlighted KFOR as a success story, and stressed their continued commitment to a safe and secure environment in Kosovo. They agreed that during recent unrest, KFOR had acted carefully, firmly and impartially, in full compliance with its United Nations mandate. They stressed that calm, moderation and dialogue was the only way forward for all the people of Kosovo.

On the challenge of piracy, Ministers renewed their commitment to tackling this threat and to provide the capabilities needed to do so.

“We will continue the mission with the commitment and the capabilities that our commanders need,” said the NATO Secretary General during the press conference following the meeting.