From Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO:  We are taking action as part of the broad international effort to protect civilians against the attacks by the Gaddafi regime. We will cooperate with our partners in the region and welcome their contributions.

All NATO Allies are committed to fulfill their obligations under the UN resolution.  That is why we have decided to assume responsibility for the no-fly zone.

At this moment there will still be a coalition operation and a NATO operation but we are considering whether NATO should take on a broader responsibility in accordance with the UN Security Council resolution. But that decision has not been made yet.

Through the chain of command NATO and the Coalition will ensure close coordination and de-confliction. …

Reporter: Does that mean that if members of the so-called coalition, say France, would like to strike against troops of Ghadaffi’s moving in on civilian targets, that would be part of the mission that NATO overtakes at this moment?

NATO Secretary-General Rasmussen : At this moment, there will still be a coalition operation and a NATO operation. But we are considering whether NATO should take on that broader responsibility in accordance with the UN Security Council resolution, but that decision has not been made yet.

Reporter: How do you coordinate then between the coalition and NATO forces for the No-Fly Zone?

NATO Secretary-General Rasmussen : That would take place through the chain of command and we will ensure close coordination and deconfliction.  (photo: Getty)

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