From Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO:  Today we have decided to increase the presence of NATO maritime assets in the Central Mediterranean.   Our strategic operational commander SACEUR Admiral Jim Stavridis will move into the Central Mediterranean maritime assets under his command.

These ships will improve NATO’s situational awareness – which is vital in the current circumstances -, and they will contribute to our surveillance and monitoring capability, including with regard to the arms embargo established by the UN Security Council Resolution 1970.

We have also directed NATO Military authorities to develop as a matter of urgency detailed planning with regard to humanitarian assistance and, assuming a further UN Security Council Resolution, more active measures to enforce the arms embargo.

We considered as well initial options regarding a possible no-fly zone in case NATO were to receive a clear UN mandate. Ministers agreed that further planning will be required.

So, our message today is: NATO is united,  NATO is vigilant, NATO is ready to act. 

Excerpts from press briefing by Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen at the meeting of NATO Defense Ministers, Brussels.  (photo: NATO)

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