From DPA: Ahead of [Thursday’s Defense Ministers] meeting, diplomats from several NATO countries said that the alliance had set three principles to govern its action: a ‘demonstrable need’ for NATO intervention, a ‘clear legal basis’ and ‘firm regional support.’

A ‘clear legal basis’ is generally understood to mean explicit United Nations backing for any direct military action, but diplomats said that other actions, such as efforts to provide humanitarian missions with logistical support, could run under other mandates.

‘Firm regional support’ is understood to mean that the majority of countries and organizations in the area, though not necessarily all of them, give their explicit backing to action.  (photo: Getty)

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